Ulema, Mashaikh announce support for gov efforts on peace, national security

ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP):A meeting of Ulema and Mashaikh, chaired by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Friday announced support for the state’s positive steps aimed at promoting peace, religious harmony, social stability and national security in the country.

Addressing the meeting, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Pakistan gained immense respect after the “Marka-e-Haq” and that the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim Munir for establishing peace were appreciated around the world.

He said India’s false propaganda was defeated.

The minister said the Pakistani armed forces were presenting testimonies in defence of the country and that the gathering of Ulema was held to acknowledge their sacrifices.

He added that the Ulema had always remained at the forefront in protecting the ideological borders of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The meeting resolved to continue full cooperation with the Government of Pakistan in every positive initiative and reaffirmed commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution and the stability of state institutions.

The participants appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani armed forces for peace, stability and national unity and expressed their unwavering support.

The Ulema and Mashaikh also expressed complete solidarity with the government and security forces against terrorism, extremism and destructive activities.

They paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and security forces for maintaining peace and stability in Pakistan.

According to the declaration, the entire Pakistani nation is indebted to the great sacrifices of the martyrs and ghazis.

It stated that terrorism, extremism, sectarianism and violence have no place in Islam, describing Islam as a religion of peace, moderation, tolerance and respect for human life.

The declaration said every act that harms the peace of the state, society and the people is condemnable.

The scholars appealed to religious leaders of all schools of thought to promote national unity and religious harmony, saying the national narrative against terrorism would be highlighted through sermons, lessons and religious gatherings.

The declaration also stressed the need for joint academic, religious and social efforts to protect the younger generation from extremist ideologies, hateful content and misleading propaganda.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Sajjad Qamar, Qari Mehboob-ur-Rehman, Maulana Zulfiqar, Maulana Abdul Qadir Sikandri, Maulana Ayub Ansari, Maulana Iqbal Abbasi, Maulana Dr. Munir Ahmed, Maulana Dr. Muhammad Saleem Saeedi, Maulana Syed Jahangir Shah Saeedi, Maulana Dr. Saeed-ur-Rehman, Maulana Abu Bakr Siddique, Maulana Dr. Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Allama Sajjad Naqvi, Allama Akhtar Abbas, Maulana Waqas Majeed, Maulana Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, Maulana Anis-ur-Rehman, Qari Muhammad Siddique and Maulana Hassan Farooq.

While Acting Secretary Religious Affairs Dr. Mirza Ali Mehsud, Director Misbah-ur-Rehman, Deputy Director Quran Dr. Shahid-ur-Rehman, Muhammad Khaliq, Dr. Mehboob Usman and other officers attended.

The participants also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, the speedy recovery of the injured and the protection of Pakistan from all internal and external threats.