Curbing terrorism: ‘Messages of saints, Sufis can play a vital role’

Tanvir Aslam says religious scholars also need to ensure sectarian harmony

RAWALPINDI: Minister for Communications and Works Malik Tanvir Aslam Sathi has said that by promoting the message of saints and Sufism, we can overcome the problems of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism

He added that terrorism and sectarianism have damaged unity, stability and integrity of our country besides creating hindrances on the way to economic development.

Sathi expressed these views while addressing a special seminar held in Choa Saiden Shah in District Chakwal on the occasion of 300th Death Anniversary of Sufi Saint Hazrat Syed Ahmed Ali Sherazi.

Punjab Minister for Communication and Works said that religious scholars, ulema and mashaikh can also play their role for ensuring sectarian harmony among various religious schools of thought.

DCO Chakwal Javaid Mehmood Bhatti said that Mashaikh and Saint Hazrat Ahmed Ali Shah played a vital role in Pakistan movement and extended full support to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Sajada Nasheen of Dergah Hazrat Ahmed Ali Shah, Raja Mujahid Afsar appealed to the prime minister for reorganisation of Ulema Mashaikh Council.

MNA Tahir Iqbal said that Hazrat Ahmed Ali Shah promoted literature and culture under Islamic teachings in the area.

He also demanded pavement and reconstruction of the road from Choa Saiden Shah to Dandote and the shrine of Hazrat Ahmed Ali Shah Sherazi.

DCO Chakwal Javaid Mehmood Bhatti, and Babar Saleem Mehmood also addressed the seminar while religious scholars, prominent people from different walks of life and large number of people were present at the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2016.