KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said no religious discrimination will be allowed to exist in Pakistan, adding that it is a crime to forcibly change anyone’s religion.
The premier was addressing a ceremony to celebrate Holi in Karachi.
“It is not up to us to decide whether one will go to the heaven or hell, but to make this place a heaven on earth.”
“The messengers spread the religion not by force,” he said. “We need to turn this world into heaven.”
He said if there is any contention in Karachi that is between the forces of peace and conflict.
People are free to go to their places of worship, he said.
The premier said that some elements tried to weaken Pakistan through creating religious discord, although the attempt proved futile.
Nawaz Sharif promised Karachiites that he will not rest until peace is restored in the city.
He added that health cards should be started in Sindh. He announced 500 million rupees for the welfare of the Hindu community.
He arrived in Karachi to chair a high-level meeting on security and development projects in the metropolis, which was attended by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders.
Speaking at the meeting, he said that the work on the circular railway will resume soon and that it will become part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
He said that the federal government will give 50 percent funds to Sindh for the K4 project which deals with distribution of water.
He expressed concern over the garbage-strewn into the streets of the metropolis.
He observed that if development in the city had remained at the same rate as it was in the 70s Pakistan would have flourished.
He said when the government took office in 2013 they were faced with problems including terrorism, economic decline and energy shortage.
“However, our government took it as a challenge and worked tirelessly to overcome these problems. Today, by the grace of Almighty; and hard work of our government, Pakistan is on the path of prosperity and development,” said Nawaz.
He said, “Law & order situation has significantly improved and business activities have returned to normal in Karachi. Role of law enforcing agencies is highly appreciable.”
He said that economic progress of Pakistan has been acknowledged globally by international financial rating agencies.
“Pakistan is now termed as an attractive destination for business and investment,” added the PM.
The PM said that as a result of investor friendly policies of the government and the economic turnaround achieved in the last four years, various reputable international investors and companies have shown their keen interest in exploring business and investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Nawaz said Pakistan has now achieved macro-economic stability and is focusing on achieving higher, sustainable and inclusive growth. GDP was recorded at 4.7% in financial year 2016, which is an eight year high, said the PM.
He said that CPEC with its wide portfolio of projects in energy, roads networks, railways and many other sectors; offers huge opportunities of investment and employment.
Nawaz said, “We are also improving energy mix to ensure availability of clean and affordable energy to the masses.”
Referring to investment policies, he said Pakistan has improved its ranking by 4 points on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Index.
“We have identified potential sites along CPEC routes for establishment of Special Economic Zones that would offer tremendous business opportunities.”
He said the government has introduced new Automotive Development Policy that focuses on enhancing competitiveness and provision of quality products.
The meeting was also attended by Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Railways Minister Saad Rafiq and Board of Investment Chairman Mifta Ismail.
Meanwhile, Nawaz directed Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to block blasphemous content on social media and ensure that those responsible be punished at the earliest.
He sought daily report on the issue and said every step should be taken to completely eradicate the condemnable blasphemous content. He directed to approach international organizations relating to social media for blockade of blasphemous contents and said the Foreign Office should play its role in this regard.
