Religious scholars reaffirm fatwa against suicide attacks, terrorism

The declaration stated that suicide attacks are forbidden in Islam, the killing of innocent people is impermissible, and terrorism runs contrary to the fundamental teachings of Islam and other religions.

It categorically stated that no individual, group or organisation had the right to engage in bloodshed, carry out armed actions against the state or take the law into its own hands in the name of religion, sect or any ideology.

Strongly condemning the exploitation of women, children, young people and students for terrorism and suicide attacks, the participants described such acts as religiously forbidden, morally reprehensible and serious crimes against humanity. Read More:Uniting faiths, strengthening Pakistan.

The declaration warned that those who mislead the younger generation and turn them into instruments of terrorism are enemies of human life and Pakistan’s future. The participants also expressed full support for the efforts of the Pakistan Army and national security institutions against what the declaration described as.

Fitna al-Khawarijand. Fitna al-Hindustan. They said the nation stood alongside the armed forces in efforts to eliminate terrorism and safeguard national security and stability.

Last year, the federal government officiallydesignatedall terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as. Fitna al-Hindustan, accusing India of sponsoring aproxy warthrough the outfits, while. Fitna al-Khawarijis the state-designated term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

In the joint declaration, protecting the country's security, stability and the lives and property of its people was described as a shared national responsibility. Emphasising the importance of peace in Balochistan, the participants resolved to stand united against terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence, stressing that no one should be allowed to undermine peace under the guise of religion or sect.

Also Read:PM Shehbaz defends emergency, governor’s rule in K-P, blames PTI for resurgence of terrorism. The meeting also pledged continued joint efforts to promote inter-sectarian and interfaith harmony, religious tolerance, national unity and peace in the province.

Participants expressed their commitment to addressing issues faced by mosques and religious seminaries and strengthening cooperation with the government and relevant institutions. The meeting further called for a coordinated effort by scholars, faith leaders, parents, teachers and prominent social figures to protect young people from extremist ideologies, hate speech and the influence of terrorist organisations.

Mosques, religious seminaries, educational institutions and religious and social centres, it said, should be used to promote peace, tolerance, unity and national cohesion. The younger generation, they stressed, represented the country's future and must not be allowed to become fuel for terrorism.

Tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir. Separately, the participants unanimously adopted a resolution paying tribute to Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his efforts towards unity in the Muslim world, cohesion within the Muslim Ummah, regional stability and global peace.

The resolution commended his diplomatic efforts to promote peace and negotiations between the United States and Iran, improve relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and facilitate high-level talks among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkiye and Iran in Tehran on October 26. Read More:Pakistan condemns 'reprehensible' Houthi attacks in Makkah, Madinah regions.

Describing these initiatives as significant for reducing regional tensions and strengthening cooperation among Muslim countries, the resolution said efforts towards Muslim unity and international peace were a source of pride for Pakistan and of value to the wider Muslim Ummah.

The participants appealed to all political and religious parties in Pakistan to support constructive diplomatic initiatives undertaken in the national interest.

The meeting was chaired by Pakistan Ulema Council chairman and NPAC Coordinator Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi and attended by Maulana Ali Muhammad Abu Turab, Dr Asif Mir, Mufti Yousaf Kashmiri, Maulana Syed Samiullah Agha, Maulana Qasim Haqqani, Allama Nasrullah Hussaini, Mufti Muhammad Jan Qasmi, Maulana Hizbullah Usmani, Maulana Samiullah Awan, Maulana Abdul Rahman, Maulana Abdullah Haqqani, Mufti Umar Farooq, Maulana Abdur Rahman Salafi, Pastor Simon Bashir, Sardar Jasbir Singh and other religious scholars and representatives of different faiths.