11 September 2004	Saturday	25 Rajab 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 10: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has appealed to religious scholars to play their role in promoting fraternity, unity and brotherhood among the people and to work together for the establishment of a society based on Islamic values.

He stressed the need for advancing national solidarity by shunning sectarian differences, provincial and linguistic prejudices to make the country economically and politically stable.

The prime minister said Pakistan was a citadel of Islam and its stability would strengthen entire Ummah. Speaking to a delegation, led by Maulana Tariq Jamil, who had called on him at the Prime Minister's House on Friday, he said the entire Muslim Ummah recognized Pakistan as a citadel of Islam and held high hopes about its advancement and prosperity.

The government, he said, wanted to make Pakistan an economic and industrial power which could become a source of pride for the whole Muslim world. "We are taking the country towards a right direction and are working for the national interest, leaving behind our personal interests."

He said to have adopted those policies which would lift the country both industrially and agriculturally, providing more job opportunities and maximum basic facilities to the common man.

The prime minister said the government would provide facilities to the people in accordance with the teachings of Islam and facilitate easy access to justice, he said.

He said the PML, being the founder party of Pakistan, was carrying out a programme of bringing prosperity by associating its allied parties along. Later, the prime minister offered Juma led by Maulana Tariq Jamil.

The Maulana also led Namaz-i-Istisqa and prayed for rains and an end to drought-like situation in the country. Giving sermon on this occasion, the Maulana called upon the rulers to establish justice and equality in the country and ensure public service as per Islamic teachings.