ISLAMABAD, Feb 11: PML-N Rahber Nawaz Sharif has said all religious and political forces in Pakistan have realized the gravity of the situation, and will soon launch a struggle to defend the country and restore the Constitution.

In a message on the advent of the month of Muharramul Haram on Friday, the PML-N chief said he was confident that the end of dark night of oppression was very near, and the bright sun of the rule of Constitution, democracy and the people would dawn soon.

The former prime minister said first of Muharram not only marked the martyrdom of Caliph Omar, but was also a milestone in Imam Hussain's struggle against oppression that culminated into his martyrdom along with his valiant companions.

He said Imam Hussain set an example by laying down his life instead of yielding to the dictator of his times and the role he chose to play would serve as a beacon for Muslims of all shades for all times to come.

He said today when Ummah was in dire need of unity and solidarity to combat conspiracies against Islam, the enemies were trying to foment Shia-Sunni conflict. "I appeal to Muslims of both schools to maintain unity and peace in order to frustrate conspiracies of the enemies of Islam", he said.

Mr Sharif said the Ummah was passing through a difficult phase and many Muslim countries faced grave dangers. The Muslim leaders, therefore, are called upon to set aside differences among them, and forge unity to defy forces of oppression, he added.

"They would not only have to follow the examples of good governance that were set during the rule of the Prophet and the four caliphs, but must also make it clear to the enemies that no self-made edition of Islam would be acceptable to the Muslim world," the PML-N leader said.