Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain met with a delegation of scholars from all schools of thought and leaders of other religions which was led by Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad here in Islamabad.
The Interior Minister addressed the gathering, saying that consultations with scholars and leaders of other religions have been started to eliminate the menace of terrorism. He said that he and Minister for Religious Affairs will take this national mission forward, according to a press statement issued here on Friday.
The Interior Minister said first and foremost, we are all Pakistanis, and Pakistan comes first. He emphasized that we need to get out of the fire we are being pushed into, and we can only get out of this issue with the help of scholars.
He stressed that we need to unite as a nation to eliminate terrorism. He said we need to stop the misuse of Islam and prevent people from being misled into terrorism. Mohsin Naqvi clarified that anyone who takes up arms against the state is a terrorist, and our religion and constitution also clearly state that anyone who takes up arms against the state is a terrorist.
He said Islam and our country’s law do not allow anyone to be killed without reason. He said we need to unite against the curse of terrorism for the sake of our country. He said if we give a collective message, its impact will be very strong.
The Interior Minister added that on the occasion of September 6, we are again giving those who have taken up arms against the state an opportunity to lay down their arms, respect the state, recognize the constitution, and obey the laws.
Mohsin Naqvi said we will visit every province, will meet chief ministers and scholars, and convey the same message from the provincial capitals as well. He added that we will also convey this message to the President and Prime Minister, who are working day and night for this purpose.
The Interior Minister emphasized that we need to stop the misuse of Islam’s name, and the true leaders of the religion are scholars and spiritual leaders, not those who take up arms against the state.
He said today, we need to convey the message that we are united against terrorism, and the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Religious Affairs will provide all possible support in this regard.
He said suggestions of ulema regarding terrorism will also be implemented. He stressed that a united message against terrorism is extremely necessary. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that we need to save the new generation from guns and fire, and the government, institutions, and scholars need to work together to provide a safe future for the new generation.
He said protection of every Pakistani’s life and property is the responsibility of the state. He said the scholars and spiritual leaders should guide the people and raise their voices against those who take up arms against the state.
Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad also addressed the gathering. After the meeting, a joint declaration was approved. All the scholars and spiritual leaders rejected the narrative of extremists and terrorists in the country.
The declaration stated that Islam is a religion of peace that teaches respect for humanity and strives for a society which is free from violence. The declaration further stated that in the current situation, interfaith, inter-sect harmony and national unity are essential.
Islam does not allow anyone to be killed without reason. The declaration praised the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army and stated that the entire nation stands with its brave and courageous armed forces.
The declaration also stated that Islam guarantees the rights of minorities, women, and children. According to the declaration the ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ is the great narrative, which will be made the voice of every household through the pulpit and the mosque. This is the time for unity and cohesion within the country, not division.
The meeting was attended by scholars and leaders of various schools of thought, including Maulana Zia-ur-Rehman Imam of Faisal Mosque, Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi Chief Khateeb of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Allama Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem Chief Khateeb of Punjab, Allama Shabbir Hassan Secretary-General Shia Ulema Council Pakistan and others.
Federal Secretary of Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and relevant authorities also attended the meeting.