SHANGLA, July 27: Federal Minister for Political Affairs Amir Muqam has said that the ulema today have a greater responsibility on their shoulders to tackle the menace of terrorism and suicide bombings in the light of Islamic teachings.

Addressing public meetings and an open katchery during his visit to tehsil Pooran in Shangla district on Friday, the minister claimed that “a handful of anti-state and terrorist elements are out to defame the ulema”.

Referring to the accusation that Pakistan was serving US interests in the region, Mr Muqam, who is also President Pakistan Muslim League NWFP chapter, said “Pakistan is a sovereign country and is not a slave of any foreign force,” adding that no one would be allowed to use the country’s soil for foreign operations.

He said Pakistan was fighting terrorism for its own good and urged citizens to come forward and help the government in their efforts.

He said the Pakistan armed forces were capable of dealing with any situation and could eliminate terrorism and extremism utilising its own resources.He urged religious scholars of all school of thoughts to play their roles effectively and present Islamic teachings in their true perspective.

Pointing towards development activities in district Shangla, the minister said that construction of the Rs530 million Alpuri-Pooran-Martong Road and an electricity feeder at Pooran would shortly be taken up. He said that on completion, the Rs250 million grid station at Shangla would solve power problems for many a decade.

He said the government would provide communication, electricity and drinking water facilities in every nook and corner of the district.

He asked party workers to start preparing for elections and claimed that 2007 was the year of elections. He said the PML had been organised at the gross roots level and it would emerge victorious at the federal and provincial levels in the coming elections.—APP