LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that promotion of sectarian harmony and elimination of extremism is the joint responsibility of government and ulema and they will be accountable to the people if they failed to discharge this obligation. He said that elimination of poverty, ignorance and unemployment as well as supremacy of justice is essential for making Pakistan an Islamic welfare state in the light of the principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said this while addressing a meeting of ulema of various schools of thoughts at Bahawalpur Circuit House, on Thursday. Provincial Minister for Special Education Iqbal Channar, Members of national and provincial assemblies belonging to Bahawalpur Division, Chief Secretary Punjab, Home Secretary, Inspector General Police and other senior officers were also present in the meeting. The Chief Minister said Pakistan is passing through a critical phase and the enemies of the country are trying to undermine national solidarity. Therefore, he said, there is need for promotion of national unity for foiling the nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan. He said General Pervez Musharraf used everybody as his tool to prolong his rule and was responsible for the killing of innocent Muslims. He said that Pakistan is facing serious problems due to wrong policies of Musharraf but we will have to move ahead and rectify the situation with wisdom and sagacity. He said that poverty, ignorance and unemployment are the root cause of terrorism and in order to rid the country of this menace we will have to promote education and create such a peaceful society where justice and basic facilities are available to all citizens without any discrimination. He said that seminaries are playing an important role for the promotion of Islamic education and there is need to harmonise the syllabus of religious institutions with the demands of the modern age so that the students graduating from seminaries could play their role in all sectors of life. Quoting the example of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia and other Islamic countries, the Chief Minister said that after receiving education from religious institutions, students of these countries are performing their responsibilities in various sectors including medicine, science, engineering and police. He said that the system of religious institution couldnt be kept isolated from national mainstream and this the point on which there is need for thorough deliberation. He said that the goal of national development and prosperity couldnt be achieved without eradication of poverty, ignorance, unemployment, extremism and militancy. The Chief Minister also issued instructions to the Commissioner to improve the condition of historical Jamia Masjid Sadiq. The ulema assured the Chief Minister that they would play their due role for the maintenance of law and order and extend all out cooperation to the government in this regard. They also appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Punjab for ensuring peace and tranquillity in the province. Later, a special dua was offered for peace, progress and prosperity of the country.