ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (DNA): A joint meeting of religious scholars, spiritual leaders and representatives of different faiths, organised by the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, and the Provincial Paigham-e-Aman Committee, Balochistan, was held at Jamia Salafia Dawat-ul-Haq under the chairmanship of Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Coordinator of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee.
Maulana Ali Muhammad Abu Turab, Dr. Asif Mir, Mufti Yousaf Kashmiri, Maulana Syed Samiullah Agha, Maulana Qasim Haqqani, Allama Nasrullah Hussaini, Mufti Muhammad Jan Qasmi, Maulana Hizbullah Usmani, Maulana Samiullah Awan, Maulana Abdul Rahman, Maulana Abdullah Haqqani, Mufti Umar Farooq, Maulana Abdur Rahman Salafi, Pastor Simon Bashir, Sardar Jasbir Singh and other religious scholars, spiritual leaders and representatives of different faiths attended the meeting.
In a unanimous declaration, they reaffirmed the consensus fatwa against suicide attacks, terrorism, extremism and the killing of innocent people, while fully endorsing the national narrative of Paigham-e-Pakistan.
The declaration stated that suicide attacks are forbidden in Islam, the killing of innocent people is impermissible, and terrorism is contrary to the fundamental teachings of Islam and all religions. No individual, group or organisation has the right to engage in bloodshed, carry out armed actions against the state or take the law into its own hands in the name of religion, sect or any ideology.
Strongly condemning the use of innocent women, children, young people and students for terrorism and suicide attacks, the declaration stated that such acts are religiously forbidden, morally reprehensible and serious crimes against humanity. It added that those who mislead the younger generation and turn them into fuel for terrorism are enemies of human life and Pakistan’s future.
The declaration expressed full support for the efforts of the Pakistan Army and national security institutions against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. It stated that the entire nation stood alongside the Pakistan Army in eliminating terrorism and safeguarding national security and stability. Protecting Pakistan’s security, stability and the lives and property of its people was described as a shared national responsibility.
The declaration emphasised that peace in Balochistan is essential for sustainable peace in Pakistan and that establishing peace and stability in the province remains a top priority. Religious scholars, spiritual leaders and representatives of different faiths stand united against terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence. No one can be allowed to undermine peace in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, under the guise of religion or sect.
They pledged to continue joint efforts to promote inter-sectarian and interfaith harmony, religious tolerance, national unity and peace in Balochistan. They also expressed their commitment to addressing issues faced by mosques and religious seminaries and strengthening cooperation with the government and relevant institutions.
The declaration stated that religious scholars, faith leaders, teachers and prominent social figures would work together to protect the younger generation from extremist ideologies, hate propaganda and the influence of terrorist organisations. Mosques, religious seminaries, educational institutions and religious and social centres would be used to spread the messages of peace, tolerance, unity and national cohesion.
Religious scholars and leaders of different faiths jointly appealed to young people and students not to fall prey to the misleading slogans, false promises and negative propaganda of terrorist and extremist elements, and not to allow themselves to be exploited by such groups under any circumstances.
The declaration also appealed to parents, teachers and those responsible for educational institutions to remain vigilant regarding children’s activities, company and social media interactions, maintain relationships with them based on trust and affection, and play an active role in protecting them from the nefarious designs of terrorist elements.
Reaffirming their collective resolve, the participants stated that safeguarding Pakistan’s security, respecting human life, eliminating terrorism and promoting national unity are shared responsibilities. They stressed that the younger generation is the country’s future and must never be allowed to become fuel for terrorism.
During the meeting, a unanimous resolution paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his efforts and services towards unity in the Muslim world, Muslim Ummah cohesion, regional stability and global peace.
The resolution stated that his diplomatic efforts to promote peace and negotiations between the United States and Iran, improve relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and facilitate high-level talks among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkiye and Iran in Tehran on October 26 were commendable.
Describing these efforts as important for reducing regional tensions, enhancing cooperation among Muslim countries and promoting global peace, the resolution stated that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s services for Muslim unity and peace were a source of pride for Pakistan and of great value to the entire Muslim Ummah.
The unanimous resolution appealed to all political and religious parties in Pakistan to support positive diplomatic initiatives undertaken in the national interest, for unity in the Muslim world and for global peace.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing support for every positive and constructive effort for promoting peace and stability in Pakistan, unity in the Muslim world, understanding among Muslim countries and international peace.
