Sharjeel calls for unity

Says vested interest fanning extremism, terrorism.

KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday blamed foreign hands for acts of terrorism in the country.

International forces working against the interests of Pakistan want to defame it and declare it a nursery of terrorists, the minister said addressing Payam-e-Amn Convention in Karachi.

“Our religion teaches protection of minorities, and the Constitution also gives them liberty to live according to their faiths,” he said.

At the convention, representatives of more than 28 religious and political organisations announced plans to hold a peaceful protest on February 13 against the killings of citizens in Karachi.

Pakistan Ulema Council’s Allama Tahir Ashrafi, reading out a resolution, focussed on promotion of peace and tranquillity in the province, and said the protest day would also be observed as a day to pay homage to the victims of the Shaikarpur tragedy.

Participants of the convention, belonging to different schools of thoughts as well as those from Hindu and Christian communities and members of major political parties, including PML- N, PPP and MQM appreciated the National Action Plan.

They categorically stated that Islam does not permit forced conversions nor forced marriages and these issues must be strictly handled.

Sharjeel Memon appreciated the commitment made by the participants. “Those trying to create rifts in our ranks can be deterred through unity in our ranks,” said the minister urging all political parties to give up their differences for a crucially relevant cause.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2015.