Consultative meeting: KP CM stresses religious scholars’ role in countering sectarianism

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday stressed the role of religious scholars in fostering unity and countering sectarianism.

“The role of religious scholars is crucial in stamping out sectarianism while any effort for ending terrorism cannot succeed without public support. Political and religious parties must rise above political affiliations to ensure the supremacy of law,” he said while speaking at a consultative meeting.

According to a handout, the consultative meeting titled “National Unity Against Terrorism” was hosted by the chief minister at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad. The representatives from various political and religious parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran, Islamic Tehreek, Central Ulema Council, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and others attended the meeting.

Prominent leaders present at the meeting included Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, MNA Asad Qaiser, Muhammad Ali Durrani, Professor Ibrahim, Liaqat Baloch, Sahibzada Abu-al-Khair Muhammad Zubair, Syed Nasir Abbas Shirazi, Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi, and Sahibzada Zahid Mehmood Qasmi.

The chief minister stated that the meeting was convened on the directive of PTI founder Imran Khan to have a consultation on creating a comprehensive national policy to combat terrorism, sectarianism, ethnic division, and lawlessness, ensuring the rule of law across the country.

"The country is now grappling with terrorism, sectarianism, ethnic division, and lawlessness due to past policy failures," he said", adding it was time to think about the kind of country we want to leave for future generations; and if we aim to leave a better Pakistan, we must formulate and implement a robust policy on terrorism, sectarianism, and other divisive issues.

He said that the proposals shared during this meeting would shape the way forward; and a committee will be formed to ensure their implementation, followed by a follow-up session to be held soon in Peshawar, to involve more stakeholders.

Regarding Afghanistan, Gandapur reiterated his stance that dialogue was the only solution to resolving issues with the neighboring country. He revealed the plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan.

Participants of the meeting commended the chief minister for his initiative, describing it as a significant step toward addressing national challenges. The session concluded with a joint declaration, and participants emphasized the need for continuity in such consultations to achieve sustainable peace and national integration.