LAHORE, Nov 9: “Some religious parties are trying to exploit people’s passions in the name of religion and should not be allowed to continue,” said Pakistan Awami Tehrik chief Tahirul Qadri while talking to different delegations which called on him here on Friday.

People were aware of all those who misappropriated the aid for Afghans which came in during its war against Soviet Union. If the US, the UK and Europe could join hands against terrorism, why religious parties here could not forget their petty difference for the sake of their own country, he said.

Mr Qadri said those parties who opposed the creation of Pakistan were now out to destabilize the country. But people have rejected these irrational elements, he claimed.

He termed strike calls economic terrorism. The people have become sick of politics of strikes.

He urged the religious leaders to shun parochial politics and join mainstream national politics and contribute towards the development of the country.