Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized for greater unity, cohesion and solidarity to steer the country out of challenges and put it on the path of prosperity, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The prime minister said this while addressing the staff of PM House and PM Office on the occasion of luncheon hosted in their honour in Islamabad on Thursday.

Shehbaz Sharif recalled that our ancestors rendered immense sacrifices for a Pakistan where all the people had equal opportunities to excel in their fields. He regretted that they deviated from their path.

He said it is time to renew the pledge to follow the teachings of Holy Quran, Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as well as those of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal to foster unity in our ranks.

He said we should serve the country in such a manner that rids it of loans and take us on the path of self-reliance.  He said this is not an impossible task but only requires sacrifice and sheer dedication and devotion to work.

Alluding to the austerity measures taken during the past 16 months of his stint, Shehbaz Sharif said given the difficult economic situation, several cabinet members decided to forgo their perks and privileges.

He noted that by saving our resources, we could spend them in eradicating poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. He pointed out that God Almighty had blessed Pakistan with immense minerals, fertile land and a capable human resource.  He said we can exploit this potential by putting our efforts together saying this will also enhance the country's image in the comity of nations.

Shehbaz Sharif was appreciative of the support, advice and guidance provided to him by the staff of PM House and PM Office over the last 16 months.

On the occasion, the staff of the PM House presented a portrait to the prime minister who distributed commendation certificates amongst the staff of the PM Office and PM House.