Naqvi meets delegation of religious scholars

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain met with a delegation of scholars from various schools of thought and leaders of other religions on Friday.

The delegation was led by Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.

Addressing the gathering, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that consultations with scholars and religious leaders have begun to eradicate the menace of terrorism. He said that he, along with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain, would carry this national mission forward. The interior minister stressed that, first and foremost, “we are all Pakistanis, and Pakistan comes first.” He highlighted the urgency of uniting as a nation to overcome the challenges the country is facing, particularly terrorism.

He made it clear that anyone who takes up arms against the state is a terrorist, and both Islam and the Constitution unequivocally state this.

He also announced plans to visit every province, meet with chief ministers and scholars, and deliver the same message from the provincial capitals.

The interior minister reiterated that the misuse of Islam’s name must be stopped and that the true leaders of the faith are scholars and spiritual figures, not those who take up arms against the state. He said that a united stance against terrorism is crucial, and both the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Religious Affairs will provide all necessary support in this regard. He assured the scholars that their suggestions on combating terrorism would be implemented.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain echoed these sentiments, saying that it is imperative to protect the new generation from the violence of guns and fire. He called on the government, institutions, and scholars to work together to secure a safer future for the next generation. He said that protecting the life and property of every Pakistani is the state’s responsibility and urged religious scholars and spiritual leaders to guide the people and raise their voices against those who take up arms against the state.

Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad also addressed the gathering.

Following the meeting, a joint declaration was approved. All the scholars and spiritual leaders rejected the extremist and terrorist narrative within the country. The declaration affirmed that Islam is a religion of peace, one that teaches respect for humanity and seeks a violence-free society.

The declaration further emphasised that in the current circumstances, interfaith, inter-sect harmony, and national unity are crucial. Islam does not permit the killing of anyone without just cause.

Additionally, the declaration underscored that Islam guarantees the rights of minorities, women, and children. It recognised “Paigham-e-Pakistan” as a key national narrative, which will be promoted in every household through the mosque and the pulpit. The time has come for unity and cohesion within the country, not division.