PESHAWAR, Nov 28: Islamic scholars on Monday urged the followers of various sects to end their misunderstandings and get united to thwart the enemy's anti-peace designs.

They also stressed the need for unity among Muslim Ummah for development.

Ulema and Mashaikh from different schools of Islamic thought had gathered here at the Peshawar Press Club to attend the 'Peace Conference' jointly organised by Aalmi Muttahida Ulema-o-Mashaikh Council (AMUMC) and Imamia Students Organisation (ISO) in connection with peace during Muharram.

Noted among them were chairman AMUMC Maulana Mohammad Shoaib and secretary general Mehmoodul Hassan, former senator Jawad Hadi, director general Iranian Cultural Centre Mohammad Zakiri, Amir Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Peshawar Qari Rafiq Shah, Jamiat Ahle Hadith leader Dr Habibullah, Ayaz Ali Hashmi, Maulana Mehmood Younus, Asghar Ali Naqvi and Allama Amin Shaheedi.

Also in attendance was religious affairs minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Nimroz Khan, who said the government knew its responsibilities well and had taken all steps needed for sustainable peace in the province.

He said failure of the stakeholders to keep their peace commitments forced the government into calling in the law-enforcement agencies and the army. He further said all segments of the society needed to get together for peace.

About measures for maintenance of peace during Muharram, the minister said law-enforcement agencies were alert and had been monitoring all the entry and exit points of the province, especially the sensitive areas, to check the movement of miscreants.He said the enemy wanted to create a law and order situation but the government would thwart such plans with the help of people.

Allama Mehmoodul Hassan said sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) gave a message of peace, harmony and brotherhood to the entire humanity. He said problems faced by Muslims could be resolved if they adopted the lifestyle of the four caliphs.

He said western forces were creating rift among Muslims by the 'New World Order' as they didn't want to see the Ummah get together and prosper.

The scholar condemned the killing of Pakistani troops by Nato helicopters in an attack on two Mohmand agency checkposts and said the act was barbaric and against the country's sovereignty and integrity. He urged the government to retaliate so that Nato didn't dare to repeat it.

Maulana Shoaib stressed the need for Muslim unity, interfaith harmony and brotherhood and said the Ummah should rise against western tyrants.

JUI leader Qari Rafiq said Quran's teachings provided the best way to lead life by highlighting brotherhood, harmony and peace. He said peace was basic need of every human being but this had become a rare thing in South Asia.

Allama Syed Jawad Hadi said Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was a symbol of peace and a role model for the Muslims. He asked the people to act against cruelty, tyranny and injustice.

Dr Sheikh Habibullah highlighted the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and paid rich tribute to him for rendering his life for Islam. He urged Islamic world to be united against the western conspiracies against them.

Allama Syed Asghar Naqvi, Maulana Mohammad Younis, Allama Syed Ayaz Hashmi, Allama Ayaz and others also called for following the teachings of Quran and path of caliphs for sustainable peace and development.