Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday said Pakistan was rich with natural resources, fertile land and minerals and needed peace, stability, unity and brotherhood to achieve economic progress and prosperity, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Speaking at Idara e Taleemat e Islamia here, he said, “We saved Pakistan from default and now with solidarity and strength we have taken Pakistan forward and achieved economic security for people, especially for those who are financially vulnerable.”

Pakistan had immense mineral resources in its provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, Gilgit Baltistan and other places and needed to extract them for the welfare and well-being of its people, he noted.

He said at present Pakistan was facing economic challenges and in the 15 months his government tried its best to take the country out of difficulties. The oil prices in the world had skyrocketed and the government was forced to raise prices, he said adding if Pakistan had the oil and gas resources, people would have been given fuel on cheaper prices.

The prime minister said the dream of a prosperous Pakistan could materialize with investment in the sectors of agriculture, information technology and mineral development.

“We have to get rid of loans by working hard and by utilizing our resources and talented youth to achieve prosperity and eliminate poverty.”

He lauded the decades-long services of Pir Syed Riaz Hussain Shah for the promotion of Islamic teachings and for guidance of people.

Pir Riaz Hussain Shah was a truthful and sincere follower of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he said adding Ulema should be respected and honoured and their guidance should be sought for success in this world and the hereafter.

He said Nawaz Sharif got the opportunity to serve as prime minister of Pakistan thrice and he served as prime minister now due to their affiliation with religious scholars like Pir Riaz Hussain Shah.

Pir Riaz Hussain also spoke on the occasion and commended the prime minister for his valuable contributions for progress and prosperity of Pakistan.