PM Nawaz underscores need for national unity

President Mamnoon urges nation to end internal rifts and sectarianism

ISLAMABAD:

Youm-e-Ashur will be observed across the country with reverence and solemnity on Saturday to commemorate the greatest sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) to uphold the principles of justice and truth against tyranny.

In his message on the Ashura day, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that there is a greater need for unity within the ranks of the nation to thwart the evil designs of the country’s enemies. “We must recognise the elements who are harming the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and want to shatter the unity of nation in pursuance of their selfish interests.”

We must shun our lingual, sectarian and provincial differences and need to develop the qualities of brotherhood, unity, discipline and sacrifice within ourselves, he added.



By following these teachings of Imam Hussain (RA), the prime minister said, the problems facing the country can be overcome. “This is the need of the hour and also, our survival lies in following this practice.”



PM Nawaz said that every year, the Karbala incident is commemorated on the Ashura day as the day has immense significance in national and religious lives. “The Karbala incident gives us the courage to resist the forces of oppression and act forthrightly in favour of truth.”

Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) rejected all kinds of tyranny and coercion and upheld the principles of truth, the premier noted, adding that Imam Hussain (RA) regarded it as vital to protecting the basic right of freedom and respecting the consensus of Ummah, which is truly in accordance with the principles of Islam, he added. “The example of such great sacrifice is unprecedented in history.”

End internal rifts: Mamnoon

President Mamnoon Hussain has urged the nation to end its internal rifts and sectarianism and form a united platform to help Pakistan, Islamic Ummah and the world at large to address its lingering problems. “The best way to present tributes to Imam Hussain (RA) and his family is to follow his teachings.”

He said that the way forward to pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his family is to “end internal rifts, groupings and sectarianism so that the Islamic Ummah stands united on a single platform”.

It is the only way to resolve the problems of Pakistan, the Islamic Ummah and the world at large, the president said, adding, “The day of Ashur reminds us of the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala and gives us a lesson to even lay down one’s life to achieve higher objectives.”



The day, he stressed, is observed to signify and to take a stance against malice. He said it is, in fact, the highest accomplishment of humanity. “It is this very attitude that can be associated as Uswa-e-Shabbiri. The day gives us a lesson to rise above personal interests and to stand up for upholding the truth.”

President Mamnoon said that by following in the footsteps of Imam Hussain (RA) we can eliminate the menace of terrorism, extremism and intolerance, and also strengthen democratic norms in light of real Islamic teachings, besides ensuring global peace and fraternity.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2015.