Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, strongly condemned the recent terrorist incident in Balochistan, stating that the killing of innocent civilians is a grave crime against humanity with no justification in Islam. Condemning terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism in all their forms, he emphasized that the state, religious scholars, spiritual leaders, and the entire nation must continue their collective struggle against these evils.
Addressing the Paigham-e-Pakistan Ulema and Mashaikh Seminar at the Peshawar Press Club, he said that every possible effort would be made to transform Pakistan into a cradle of peace, stability, unity, and tolerance. The seminar was attended by Maulana Syed Yousaf Shah, Maulana Meraj-ud-Din Sarkani, Maulana Arifullah, Maulana Ruhullah Madani, Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Maulana Muhammad Shoaib Qadri, Maulana Abdul Karim, Maulana Rais Khan, Maulana Jahanzeb, Maulana Hussain Ahmad, Maulana Aqal Badshah, and Maulana Ahmad Khan.
On the occasion, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Paigham-e-Pakistan is, in essence, the message of Islam, unanimously endorsed by eminent scholars and religious leaders from all schools of thought. He stressed that Islam makes a clear distinction between Jihad and Fasaad (mischief and disorder). Killing innocent people, committing acts of terrorism, and spreading fear and chaos in society in the name of Islam do not constitute Jihad; rather, they are acts of Fasaad. He said that the Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa represents the unanimous consensus of the Muslim Ummah, clearly distinguishing Jihad from Fasaad and declaring terrorism, suicide attacks, and the killing of innocent people to be entirely contrary to the teachings of Islam.
He stated that the courageous, prudent, and timely leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif not only delivered a decisive, effective, and historic response to India, thwarting its malicious designs, but also demonstrated that Pakistan's defence is impregnable. He added that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its Armed Forces and that there can be no compromise on Pakistan's sovereignty, security, and ideological frontiers.
He further said that during the recent regional tensions, Pakistan, under the wise leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, initiated consultations with the leadership of Saudi Arabia from the very first day. Subsequently, through high-level diplomatic engagement, Pakistan played a pivotal role in preventing confrontation within the Muslim Ummah by helping ease tensions between Iran and the United States and promoting regional peace. He said that Pakistan's responsible diplomacy played an important role in averting the threat of a possible Third World War and conveyed a clear message to the world that Pakistan does not want Muslims to fight one another.
Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said, "There was a time when Islamabad was unfairly associated with terrorism, but today, owing to Pakistan's responsible leadership and its diplomatic efforts for peace, Islamabad is increasingly being recognized as a city of peace. This is a matter of pride for Pakistan and a success for the entire nation."
He said that all the provinces of Pakistan, along with Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, together constitute Pakistan. Every citizen martyred in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab, or any other part of the country is equally dear to the nation. The martyrdom of innocent civilians, religious scholars, security personnel, and ordinary citizens, including those who lost their lives in recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan, is a collective national tragedy. He stressed that the entire nation must unite against terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism.
He said that respect for the Companions of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), the Ahl al-Bayt, Ummahat ul Momineen (Mothers of the Believers), and the Rightly Guided Caliphs is an integral part of the faith of every Muslim. Remaining steadfast in one's own school of thought while respecting the sacred personalities and beliefs of others is the foundation of Muslim unity and national cohesion. Referring to Muharram-ul-Haram, he noted that hostile elements attempted to incite sectarian discord, but their designs were successfully foiled through the cooperation of religious scholars, spiritual leaders, the public, and state institutions.
He stated that the Ulema and Mashaikh of Pakistan have always rendered unparalleled sacrifices for the country's stability, defence, and Islamic identity. From Maulana Sami-ul-Haq Shaheed to hundreds of scholars from Waziristan to Karachi, many laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism but never abandoned the message of faith, patriotism, and peace. Genuine religious scholars, he said, preach the Qur'an and Sunnah, moderation, unity, and peace, while those spreading terrorism and extremism in the name of religion have no connection with the Ulema or religious seminaries.
He further said that religious seminaries are strong intellectual and educational institutions of Islam and Pakistan and will continue serving Islam for generations to come. Facilitating and supporting these institutions is a shared responsibility of the state and society, as they continue to promote the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah, moderation, tolerance, and compassion.
The Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council said that the upcoming month of Rabi-ul-Awwal presents an ideal opportunity to promote the message of Rahmat-ul-lil-Alameen (Mercy to Mankind), peace, security, and moderation. He urged mosques, seminaries, khanqahs, and religious institutions across the country to disseminate the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), highlighting peace, tolerance, compassion, patience, and respect for humanity, so that the younger generation may better understand the true message of Islam.
Concluding his address, he prayed for the elevation of the ranks of those martyred in terrorist incidents across the country, including Balochistan, for the speedy recovery of the injured, and for patience and strength for the bereaved families. He reaffirmed that the entire nation would remain united in confronting terrorism, extremism, hatred, and sectarianism and would continue striving to make Pakistan a cradle of peace, stability, unity, and brotherhood.
