Islamabad: The Ulema and Mashaikh of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while strongly condemning the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, have reiterated their resolve to counter all conspiracies of the enemy with complete unity.
According to Radio Pakistan, the determination was expressed in a joint declaration adopted at an emergency meeting of Ulema and Mashaikh presided by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf in Islamabad today. The Ulema and Mashaikh also expressed their full confidence in the government and the Armed Forces of Pakistan for the elimination of terrorism from the country.
The joint declaration conveyed the Ulema and Mashaikh's solidarity with the bereaved families of the martyrs and included prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. They emphasized that targeting innocent worshippers in places of worship is contrary to Islamic teachings, human norms, and constitutional principles.
The meeting rejected the narratives of terrorism associated with Fitna-al-Khawarij and expressed determination to combat all conspiracies and proxy activities that threaten Pakistan's peace, with national unity and cooperation with state institutions. The religious leaders committed to promoting peace, tolerance, brotherhood, and mutual respect in their sermons and gatherings, aiming to protect the youth from extremism by refuting hateful narratives.
The Ulema and Mashaikh assured full cooperation with the government to enhance the security of religious sites and emphasized the importance of a robust reporting system for suspicious activities. The meeting highlighted the necessity for coordination between state institutions, religious leadership, media, and the public for the complete eradication of terrorism.
Supporting the government's zero-tolerance policy, the meeting called for lawful punishment for responsible elements and prioritized support for martyrs' families and the rehabilitation of the injured. The participants praised efforts for uniform prayer timings across the country and acknowledged the scholars' cooperation in this matter.
In light of the forthcoming holy month of Ramazan, the Ulema and Mashaikh urged the nation to demonstrate patience, brotherhood, and service to humanity. They appealed to scholars to focus on promoting unity, moral education, and interfaith harmony.
The meeting advised caution and tolerance in response to recent events and warned against enemy provocations aimed at creating chaos. The Ulema and Mashaikh emphasized unity and cooperation with the government and armed forces to thwart enemy conspiracies.
The participants reiterated their resolve to enhance peace, stability, and religious harmony in Pakistan by rejecting terrorism, sectarianism, and hatred through religious guidance and national unity. The joint declaration announced the Ulema and Mashaikh's solidarity with the government and armed forces and their confidence in strategies against terrorism.