AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, October 03, 2012 (PPI-OT): A delegation of Ulema Council led by Chairman Central Rue-e-Hilal Committee Mufti Munibur Rehman on Tuesday night called on Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah here at his residence in the Ministers Enclave. More than twenty two scholars from across Pakistan and belonging to different religious sects attended the meeting.
Prominent among them were Qari Hanif Jalandhri, Dr. Yaseen Zafar, Maulana Niaz Naqvi, Allama Sajjad Naqvi, Maulana Abdul Aziz Hanif, Dr. Zia ul Haq from International Islamic University, and Professor Asghar Ali Chashti from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah elaborated that agenda of the meeting was to sort out ways and measures for the protection of public life and property that is endangered by violent protests and other sectarian clashes. He explained the resolve of Peoples’ Government that it believes in dialogue and desires for amicable resolution of all religious and political differences.
Highlighting the recent unfortunate blasphemous incidence, he said that evil acts of blasphemy are not new. Their history can be traced back to the time of the Holy Prophet (SAW), where heretics used to agonize and incite Muslims through their devilish designs. Even the current event of blasphemous movie has the purpose of infuriating, disturbing and instigating Muslims.
Therefore, we must analyze the situation with utmost seriousness and channelize our protest to register our grievances and also to protect our own interests. Saying this, Syed Khusheed Shah requested the scholars to give their suggestions for a sustainable peace and harmony in our country.
All the prominent scholars responded positively and shared to the Minister’s desire for durable peace in the country. They offered their unconditional support in this regard. Chairman Central Rue-e-Hilal Committee Mufti Munibur Rehman said, Islam and Pakistan are our priority and Ulema are ready to render any kind of sacrifice for protecting our holy religion and beloved country. He also suggested that our procedural laws must be amended so as to ensure the reward of punishments to wrong doers in general and terrorists in particular.
The meeting continued for more than three hours and all the participants presented their suggestions and recommendation. In his Concluding remarks, Syed Khursheed Shah emphasized, “It is our prime responsibility to protect the life and property of our countrymen. Sectarian differences must not amount to militant conflicts. If through our efforts we could save a single life, it would be tantamount to saving life of whole humanity”.
Federal Minister and Ulema decided that a high level conference should be convened in a couple of weeks to consider the matter thoroughly. Syed Khursheed Shah also agreed to the suggestion that Pakistan should try to host a conference of OIC. In this regard, the proposal would be shortly forwarded to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com