Controversial issues: Ulema urge govt to make policy for seminaries

Declaration says religious and political parties should be taken on board

Seminaries and mosques across the country have always endorsed initiatives of the government and military leadership for the implementation of the Nation Action Plan to eliminate terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence.

In a declaration, issued at a convention held in Rawalpindi on Wednesday under the aegis of Pakistan Ulema Council, it was emphasised that a comprehensive strategy and policy was needed to address issues related to mosques and seminaries.

Ulemas further stressed that controversial issues should be addressed ahead of Muharram through the national reconciliatory council.

They urged the interior and religious ministries to frame a comprehensive policy relating to national issues with the consent of religious and political parties as the challenges faced by the country cannot be overcome without consultation with the representatives of seminaries and mosques.

The declaration also urged Pakistani pilgrims to obey laws of Saudi Arabia and avoid protesting at holy places during or after the pilgrimage. Expressing grief on the Syrian crisis, the declaration pleaded the leadership of Muslim countries to play their role to force Syrian President Basharul Assad to have mercy on the people of Syria.

The convention was chaired by PUC Chairman Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi and attended by PUC secretary-general Zahid Qasmi, Maulana Muhammad Amjad, Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, Maulana Nauman Hashir, Maulana Abdul Hameed Sabri, Maulana Tahir Aqeel, Maulana Hafeezur-Rehman, Maulana Muhammad Shahbaz, Mufti Muhammad Nasir and other clerics from different schools of thought.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2015.