ISLAMABAD: After observing ‘Pakistan Stability Day’ on Friday, the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) announced a national campaign against sectarianism and terrorism in the counry.

Denouncing terror attacks in Quetta, Parachinar and Masjid-i-Nabvi, leaders of various religious sects, imams, scholars and mashaykh also said the religious leadership of Pakistan was united and committed to the stability of Pakistan and unity of the Muslim ummah.

“The decision to observe Pakistan Stability Day was made in an earlier meeting with the leadership of different religious sects and religious organizations,” PUC Chairman Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, told the media.

He said that, while addressing Friday congregations in various cities, prayer leaders from mainstream sects, including Shia, Deobandi, Barelvi and Ahle Hadis, vowed to carry out a nationwide campaign to annihilate terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence from Pakistan.

“We all understand that any conspiracy to create divisions in Pakistan on account of sectarian differences will be foiled with unity and religious harmony,” he said.

While addressing a Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid Mahaz bin Jabal in I-8, Mr Ashrafi said a nationwide campaign would be carried out for the annihilation of terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence, and added that the entire nation was united with the people of Parachinar.

He said terrorist attacks in Quetta and Parachinar are not against any particular religious sect, but against the people of Pakistan.

Mr Ashrafi also announced a meeting of representatives from sects and religious organisations on July 3 in Islamabad, to decide the future course of action to eradicate sectarian violence from Pakistan.

He said the Unity of Ummah Conference will also be held on July 6 in Faisalabad.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2017