09 February 2005	Wednesday	29 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Feb 8: Religious leaders belonging to various schools of thought here on Tuesday announced that they would continue a joint struggle to promote peace and religious tolerance in the city.

In a unanimously approved resolution at a peace and religious tolerance conference, organized by the Jamat-i-Islami at Idara Noor-i-Haq, the Ulema demanded that traditional routes of Tazia procession in the city should not be altered and there should be no pressure from any quarter in this regard.

The resolution called for a complete ban on carrying or display arms in the Majalis, as well as cassettes fanning sectarian hatred.

The Ulema said while using the loudspeaker, the feelings of people in nearby mosques be respected. They called for a ban on publication and distribution of literature and posters, wall chalking and slogan-raising which might fan controversial sectarian feelings.

The resolution said that a death penalty be given to those committing blasphemy regarding the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). It said that those who would use improper words for Khulifa-i-Rashdeen, Sahaba-i-Karram, Azwaj-i-Muttahirat, Ahale Bait and Aima-i-Karram would be taken to the task.

The resolution urged the religious leaders of different sects to promote peace, brotherhood and tolerance in their sermons and speeches.

The resolution condemned the threats of the USA to Iran and Syria after Iraq and Afghanistan and asked the government of Pakistan to convene an emergency meeting of the OIC on the issue.

It expressed full solidarity with the people of Balochistan and condemned what it called army action threats hurled at Balochistan. It demanded that the Balochistan issue be solved through political and democratic means.

The resolution also condemned what it called promotion of obscenity in the grab of Basant celebration on Muhharram.

The conference was addressed by Maulana Abdul Karim Abid, Hafiz Mohammad Taqi, Maulana Asad Thanvi, Maulana Salimullah, Allama Arshad Zahid, Maulana Yousuf Qusuri and others.

Speaking on the occasion, JI Karachi chief Dr Merajul Huda Siddiqui criticized the government for deleting the religion column and Islamic Republic from the passport. He said that the US was hatching conspiracies against Muslims and its agents in Pakistan were implementing their agenda.-PPI