Religious scholars of different schools of thought in a meeting with Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in the chair through a unanimous statement assured the nation that they are fully aware of the requirements of national security and defense and would be standing united like a solid rock in case of need.
The meeting, held under the aegis of Auqaf department, Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen Committee, a detailed discussion was held about the situation in Occupied Kashmir and adoption of steps for the promotion of religious harmony and unity during the holy month of Muharram.
The meeting strongly condemned the revoking of the special status of Occupied Kashmir by India; cruelties and torture of the Kashmiri people and expressed complete solidarity with them. It also paid tributes to the Kashmiris martyred by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir as well as the great sacrifices rendered by Pak Army men.
Through the statement religious scholars expressed their resolve that they will adopt a positive and moderate approach in their sermons to avoid sectarianism. "Islam also teaches about tolerance; therefore, religious scholars will stress for tolerance and national unity in their sermons and would also avoid any internal differences. Complete cooperation will be ensured with the administration especially during Muharram for maintaining peace. The religious scholars have a consensus that no Muslim should be disheartened," the statement said.
"We consider that religious-based terrorism and killing is against Islam and strongly condemns it. We would refrain from writing or any speech which may provoke or dishearten anybody. Pak Army is bravely continuing operation for dealing with terrorism and nation pays tributes to the bravery of martyred army officers and jawans," the statement added. The Auqaf minister prayed for the freedom of Kashmiri people from Indian oppression and salvation of the martyrs.