Istihkam-e-Pakistan Day to be observed nationwide on Friday; Ulema back state policies, urge Iran-Arab dialogue

Religious scholars, political leaders, and representatives of all schools of thought have announced that Friday sermons across Pakistan on March 27 will focus on “Istihkam-e-Pakistan” (Stability of Pakistan), for promoting national unity, peace, and awareness among the public.

LAHORE, Mar 26 (APP):Religious scholars, political leaders, and representatives of all schools of thought have announced that Friday sermons across Pakistan on March 27 will focus on “Istihkam-e-Pakistan” (Stability of Pakistan), for promoting national unity, peace, and awareness among the public.

The announcement was made in a joint declaration issued after the Istihkam-e-Pakistan Conference held here under the aegis of Islamic Tehreek Pakistan (Shia Ulema Council), in collaboration with the National Peace Message Committee.

The conference, presided over by Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, expressed unanimous support for the state’s internal and external policies and reaffirmed full cooperation with the government in efforts to ensure peace and stability, particularly in the context of the evolving situation involving Iran, United States, and Israel.

The participants lauded the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their role in promoting peace and de-escalation at both regional and international levels.

The declaration urged the Pakistani leadership to intensify diplomatic efforts and, in coordination with brotherly Islamic countries, facilitate dialogue between Iran and Arab states to resolve ongoing tensions through peaceful means.

Speakers at the conference, including prominent religious scholars and leaders from various schools of thought, emphasized the need for unity within the Muslim Ummah and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of holy sites in Al-Aqsa Mosque, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran.

They strongly condemned Israeli actions in Lebanon and criticized the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque for the past 27 days, calling on the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take urgent notice and play an effective role.

Endorsing the call by the National Peace Message Committee, the conference announced that March 27 would be observed nationwide as “Istihkam-e-Pakistan Day.” Religious leaders were urged to highlight the importance of internal stability in their Friday sermons and to offer special prayers for peace, unity, and national security following congregational prayers.

The declaration concluded with a commitment from all participating groups to counter divisive narratives, strengthen national cohesion, and support all efforts for ensuring peace and stability within Pakistan and across the region.

The conference was also addressed by Allama Ishtiaq Kazmi, Hafiz Kazim Raza, Allama Muhammad Hussain Akbar, Allama Afzal Haideri, Allama Syed Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Hafiz Asad Ubaid, Dr. Majeed Abel, Mufti Ashiq Hussain, Dr. Asif Akbar Mir, Allama Asghar Arif Chishti, Qari Mubashir, Maulana Syed Usama Bukhari, Pir Nau Bahar Shah, Mufti Shahid Ubaid, Maulana Shafqat Hussain, and other religious scholars and leaders.

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