[Dawn] Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif... served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, heads the Pakistain Moslem League (Nawaz). Noted for his spectacular corruption, the 1998 Pak nuclear test, border war with India, and for being tossed by General Musharraf...
on Monday urged all political forces in Pakistain to shun politicking on issues of national importance such as terrorism and the energy crisis, and to join hands to address them unanimously.
Sharif was chairing the All Parties Conference (APC) aimed at evolving consensus on a counter-terrorism strategy as well as a plan to cope with the law and order situation of Bloody Karachi
...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous...
"We have to rise above politics on some issues and develop a national consensus for the sake of this country," the prime minister told the politicians.
Nawaz Sharif said a solution to address the problem of terrorism and extremism would be sorted out with consensus after thorough deliberations with the participants.
The fight against militancy has resulted in the loss of lives of thousands of innocent civilians and military troops, said Sharif. It also caused major financial setbacks as the businessmen were reluctant to invest in the economy, he added.
Sharif said he considered dialogue as the priority option to curb terrorism.
The prime minister said it was a test for democracy to deliver results in shape of peace and a strong economy. "If we will continue to take decisions with consensus, the people will have greater trust in democracy."