LAHORE, Feb 27 (APP):Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman and Coordinator of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Friday strongly condemned the attack on a mosque and worshippers in Bajaur, terming it a heinous crime against both Islam and humanity.
Addressing a Friday sermon on the subject of terrorism, he said that targeting a mosque and innocent worshippers was an act of open terrorism which deserved the strongest condemnation. He said such acts were terrorism, not jihad, adding that declaring terrorism as jihad was against the true teachings of Islam.
Ashrafi said that those involved in attacks on civilians and places of worship could not be called Mujahideen but were killers, and stressed that Islam strictly prohibited violence against innocent people. He added that Pakistan was founded on the Kalima Tayyaba and safeguarding the country’s security was the responsibility of every citizen.
He said the entire nation stood united with the Pakistan Armed Forces on the issue of national security and the capabilities of the armed forces were acknowledged globally. He paid tribute to the martyrs, calling them the pride of the nation, and said the people of Pakistan were always ready to make sacrifices for the defence of the homeland.
Tahir Ashrafi further said that political leadership was united on matters of national security and reiterated that Pakistan desired peace but would give a befitting response if war was imposed. He added that the nation was observing Yaum-e-Azm-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan and remained fully united for the security and stability of the country.
Special prayers were also offered for the protection of the country and the Pakistan Armed Forces