ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro have stressed the need for efforts to end unrest and curb anti-state conspiracies.

In their messages at the beginning of Muharramul Haram, the president and the prime minister called for promoting the spirit of brotherhood and unity.

“Let us pledge in the new Islamic year that we will build the country as true Muslims in a peaceful and disciplined manner,” the president said.

He appealed to the nation to support the government’s reforms for improving infrastructure with new determination and passion.

“In the sacred month of Muharram, we should promise to play our roles in the development of Ummah and Pakistan by rising above our differences,” he said.

He said Muharram is a sacred month and the Holy Quran has also affirmed its sanctity.

He said the holy month asked us to keep on doing things based on piety, welfare and well-being for humanity throughout the year to draw blessings of Allah almighty.

Prime Minister Soomro appealed to the nation to confront forces that were bent upon fanning hatred and extremism in society.

“Let us pledge that during the month of Muharram, we shall promote the spirit of brotherhood, love, unity and accommodation for views of others, and play due role in the progress and prosperity of Pakistan with honesty and dedication,” he said.

The prime minister said that Muharram is commended by Allah almighty for its sanctity. Even before the advent of Islam, Arab tribes accorded great respect and reverence to the holy month and observed it as the month of peace, he said.

“During this month, we all need to judge our personal behaviour in the light of teachings of the holy Quran and Sunnah, so that none of our acts causes pain to others,” he said.—APP