An important meeting of the Ulema and Mashaikh Council was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, during which the suicide attack in Islamabad was strongly condemned, and complete solidarity was expressed with the Armed Forces of Pakistan and the state against terrorism. In view of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, the participants conveyed a message to the nation emphasizing patience, piety, and mutual empathy, and appealed that inter-sect harmony and moral upbringing be promoted through pulpits and minbars to thwart every divisive conspiracy of the enemy.
In the joint declaration of the meeting, the suicide attack during Friday prayers in Islamabad was condemned in the strongest terms, and it was clarified that targeting innocent worshippers in places of worship is entirely contrary to Islamic teachings as well as constitutional and ethical principles.
The meeting outright rejected the misguided ideology of Fitna al-Khawarij and all narratives of terrorism, and resolved to vigorously counter internal and external conspiracies aimed at harming Pakistan's peace. The Ulema and Mashaikh pledged to play an effective role in disseminating messages of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect through their sermons and madrasas, and in safeguarding the younger generation from extremism.
Agreement was reached to strengthen coordination between the administration and management committees to enhance the security of mosques, imam bargahs, and other places of worship, and to promptly report any suspicious activities. Full support was extended to the government's "zero tolerance policy" for the complete eradication of terrorism, and it was demanded that the responsible elements be punished severely in accordance with the law, and that assistance to the families of the martyrs be prioritized.
The meeting appreciated the cooperation of the Ulema for the implementation of uniform prayer timings (Nizam-e-Salat) across the country and decided to enforce this system more effectively. Ulema from all schools of thought reiterated their commitment to foil narratives of sectarianism and hatred through religious guidance and mutual cooperation, thereby strengthening peace and stability in Pakistan under all circumstances.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was unanimously declared that the entire nation, along with the Ulema and Mashaikh, stands shoulder to shoulder with the Government of Pakistan and the Armed Forces of Pakistan, and is resolute in uprooting the menace of terrorism from its roots.
