KARACHI, March 4: Ulema representing all schools of thought, at a meeting with Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad at Governor House here on Thursday, vehemently condemned the Quetta tragedy.
They made a fervent appeal to people and organizations, particularly the media, not to give sectarian colour to acts of terrorism. Islam is the religion of peace and tranquillity and we all are working for greater tolerance, endurance, harmony, unity and cohesion, the ulema declared.
Terrorists do not follow any religion and their only objective is to sabotage the efforts being made for peace and unity, they noted. They pledged to maintain peace and continue their efforts towards this direction.
Among others, the meeting was attended by provincial Minister for Religious Affairs Dr Irfan Gul Magsi, Adviser on Home Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, Chief Secretary Dr Mutawakkil Kazi, Principal Secretary to the Governor Brig (r) Akhtar Zamin, DG Rangers Maj-Gen Javed Zia, Additional Chief Secretary Home, IG Police, Secretary Religious Affairs and other officials.
The governor totally disagreed with a proposal for a dialogue with terrorists or any reconciliation between different groups and made it clear that "terrorists, no matter what they are clad in, would be considered as terrorists and they will be treated like criminals."
Pointed out that the whole Islamic system is based on respect for human lives and attachment with humanity, he said "no Fiqah or school of thought allows any act which may cause harm to human lives."
Dr Ibad appealed to the ulema to play their vigorous role to practically promote the golden principles of Islam in the society. He thanked the ulema for their cooperation during the holy month of Muharram, especially following the Quetta tragedy, and also praised the heads and staff of police, Rangers and other organizations in the discharge of their responsibilities with a sense of commitment.
He stressed the need for devising a comprehensive planning for maintaining a continuity of the environment of peace and harmony and to bring further improvement in the light of experiences of this year.
Referring to terrorist acts in Iraq, the governor pointed out that the first response to the same was of providing relief to the affectees. Our first priority should be to bring terrorists to justice, Dr Ibad said.
The administration should take full opportunity of focussing its real capability in chasing and eliminating terrorists instead of diverting it to any other direction.
The governor informed the meeting that a number of people involved in provocative activities and publication of posters and handbills had been arrested. Action is being taken against them, he added.
He said that the city of Karachi and province of Sindh had remained a target of terrorism for many years. But with collective efforts, the law and order had registered an improvement.
He said action against terrorists and mischievous elements would continue in all circumstances. Earlier, Fateha was offered for those who lost their lives in the Quetta tragedy. The meeting prayed for early recovery of those injured in the incident. - APP
