LAHORE, Jan 3: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan on Thursday welcomed the new election alliance of six major religio-political parties and termed it a good omen for the Islamic forces during the forthcoming general elections.

Speaking at a meeting Punjab JUP general secretary Qari Zawwar Bahadur said the patriotic people would support religious parties in protecting Pakistan, countering secular forces and foreign intervention into the affairs of the country.

The meeting was presided over by Punjab JUP President Pir Mehfooz Mashadi and it expressed its concern over the alleged deal of some religious parties with the government. It maintained that deals with corrupt and terrorist organizations would shatter people’s confidence in the government.

The meeting welcomed the ban on Indian channels on cable network in Pakistan and demanded its continuation. It condemned the threats and instigating statements by Indian rulers and maintained that if war was imposed on Pakistan the entire nation would concertedly face it, protecting every inch of the homeland.

Meanwhile, JUP central vice-president K. M. Azhar asked Indian prime minister to stop issuing instigating statements against Pakistan. He said the threats by Indian prime minister were hollow. He had forgotten that India was not America nor was Pakistan a defenceless country like Afghanistan.

He said India would face serious consequences of attacking Pakistan and its prime minister must refrain from issuing instigating statements that could lead to a nuclear war in the region.

The JUP leader said America and other countries must ask India to refrain from increasing tension in the region and withdraw its forces from borders.

He said Pakistan must also stop negotiations offers to India and Pakistan president must also refrain from meeting with the Indian prime minister during the Saarc summit.

Mr Azhar urged the leaders of religious and political parties to maintain unity and prepare the nation for the war so that they could support the army in case of any eventuality.