FOLLOWING days of uncertainty that resulted in serious disruption of daily life in many cities, PTI government and proscribed Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) appear to be heading for some amicable settlement. It is good to see that religious scholars have been involved to steer the situation back to normal.
A delegation of religious scholars held a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday following which Minister for Religious Affairs Pir NoorulHaq Qadri announced formation of a 12-member committee mainly comprising of religious clerics to play negotiator’s role between the government and the TLP.
This indicates government’s intent to defuse the situation through negotiations, which is in everybody’s interest.
The talks held with the TLP late Saturday night also suggest that the outfit wanted a way out of the current situation. In this backdrop, one may expect an early breakthrough between the two sides.
However, it is important that the newly formed committee also formulate recommendations to stop recurrence of such protests by the TLP that has repeatedly taken to roads over the last few years much to the miseries of people and disruption of their normal life. In recent clashes, four police personnel were also martyred and many were injured.
It is responsibility of law enforcers to protect life and property of people and attacking them can never be allowed under any circumstances.
If the TLP is really interested to get the tag of ban lifted on it, the outfit will have to change its course, prove its peace credentials and show respect to country’s law and constitution.
It can make a good beginning by handing over those involved in recent violence and killing of police personnel.
These acts of the TLP provided yet another opportunity to many countries to unleash propaganda campaign against Pakistan.
The fact of matter is that sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is dear to each and every Muslim for which they can sacrifice their life yet at the same time Islam does not allow spilling blood of innocent people.
Creating trouble in our own country will not deter or stop those in the West from their despicable acts. The government and religious scholars must counter this vile propaganda against Islam and sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with patience and wisdom.
