ISLAMABAD – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain hosted a significant meeting today with a delegation of scholars and leaders from various religious schools of thought, led by Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.
The gathering was part of an initiative to address and combat terrorism through unified efforts. Minister Naqvi addressed the assembly, emphasizing the critical need for a collective stance against terrorism and the misuse of Islam. He reiterated that anyone who takes up arms against the state is deemed a terrorist by both religion and law, and stressed the importance of unity in overcoming this challenge. He called for a nationwide effort to respect the constitution and laws, urging those who have engaged in violence to lay down their arms.
Interior Minister also announced plans to visit every province and meet with chief ministers and scholars to reinforce this message. He emphasized that the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Religious Affairs are committed to providing full support and implementing the recommendations from religious leaders.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain highlighted the need to protect future generations from violence and called for collaboration among the government, institutions, and scholars to ensure safety and stability. He asserted that it is the duty of the state to safeguard every citizen’s life and property and that spiritual leaders should actively oppose those who challenge the state.
Following the meeting, a joint declaration was approved by all attending scholars and spiritual leaders. The declaration unequivocally rejected extremist narratives and reaffirmed Islam’s commitment to peace, respect for humanity, and a society free from violence. It called for interfaith and inter-sect harmony, praised the sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, and emphasized the protection of minorities, women, and children. The “Paigham e Pakistan” narrative was endorsed as a vital message to be promoted through mosques and community platforms.
The meeting was attended by a wide array of religious figures, including Maulana Zia-ur-Rehman of Faisal Mosque, Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi, Chief Khateeb of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Allama Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem, and other prominent scholars and leaders from different faiths. Key officials, including the Federal Secretary of Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and Inspector General of Police Islamabad, were also present.
