Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that there is a need for national unity, consensus and togetherness in Pakistan, adding that the army chief and the government share the best interest of Pakistan.

Addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, the prime minister said that Pakistan came into being after lots of bloodshed, and a supreme movement was launched for freedom under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The 77th Independence Day of Pakistan will be celebrated with great enthusiasm on August 14, he remarked.

The PM further urged the clerics present to help stop the division and differences in society. He said the collective weaknesses and achievements of the past 77 years should be placed forward, and the nation should learn from the past to work hard day and night.

PM Sharif said: "We have to find a solution to the social and economic challenges facing the country. The current relationship that the government and constitutional institutions enjoy has never been seen before."

He said that the facts are being distorted on social media with rampant use of abusive language, martyrs are being desecrated. "The characters of May 9, 2023 violence did not leave any stone unturned. The anti-nationalism of those who claim to be Pakistani must be recognised."

Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is facing a serious economic situation, adding that after taking over the reins of the government, whichever country he visited, it was deemed he was asking for loans. "If we decide to get rid of debts, no one can stop us. The government is trying its best to get the country out of the economic difficulties. If God wills, this IMF program will be the last one," he vowed.

Regarding the speech of the army chief at the conference, the prime minister said that there was no need to add anything after Gen Asim Munir's enthusiastic speech. He said the army chief spoke in the light of the holy Quran under the orders of God, adding that the army chief spoke in detail about the serious economic conditions. He mentioned that the army chief's speech was a beacon of light for everyone.