KARACHI, March 6: Ulema and religious scholars from different schools of thought have expressed their determination to continue their efforts to maintain religious harmony through mutual cooperation in Muharram.

In a joint declaration issued at the conclusion of a “religious tolerance and peace conference” at Idara Noor-i-Haq on Tuesday, with Prof Ghafoor Ahmad, deputy JI chief, in the chair, the Ulema pledged to avoid any such matter which can hurt the feelings of others.

They resolved that the maintenance of religious peace during the month was the responsibility of the government which could not absolve itself of it on the pretext of foreign conspiracy or involvement of anti-state elements.

They demanded death sentence to those indulging in blasphemy, and stressed the need for ensuring due reverence for Khulfa-i-Rashideen, Sahaba Karam, Ahle Bait and Azwaj-i-Mutaharat and called for accountability of violators.

The declaration urged the authorities not to change routes of the Majalis and processions and ensure that no one creates hurdle to their way. Besides, there should be a total ban on carrying weapons in Majalis and processions and while using loudspeakers, timings of prayers be respected near mosques.

The people were asked by the moot not to play cassettes which can be instrumental to flare-up sectarian tension and playing of such cassettes be banned, publication and distribution of such literature, posters, wall chalking, and slogans which can flare-up sectarian tension be prohibited.

The administration and the government, instead of taking action against innocent people, should discharge its duty by taking terrorists and those involved in disturbing religious harmony to task.

Those who addressed the conference included Maulana Abdul Karim Abid of JUI, Maulana Asad Thanvi, Maulana Mohammad Yusuf Qasuri of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Hafiz Muhammad Taqi of MMA, Al-Haj Mohammad Rafi of Nizam-i-Mustafa Party, Hafiz Mohammad Sulfi of Jamaat Ghurba Ahle Hadith, and Dr Mairaj-ul-Huda of the JI.

In his remarks, Prof Ghafoor Ahmed pointed out that there was no tension and hatred among people on the basis of faith throughout the country, including Karachi.

“People are united as there was no involvement of Shia and Sunni killing and plunder in the name of sectarianism.

“The government instead of providing cover to murderers and terrorists should expose them and after arresting them, they be given an exemplary punishment.

He said the enemy wanted to destabilize the situation but people and Ulema by joining hands together would foil their conspiracy.

He said Jehad was not terrorism as no Muslim believes in terrorism, but it was the US and its allies who had unleashed a propaganda against Muslims and they wanted to portray Islam as a religion of terrorism.