LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Senator Sirajul Haq has asked the Pakistani government to play an active role in the intra-Afghan talks which are set to start in Norway from March 10 this year.

In a statement issued from JI headquarters Mansoora on Monday, he said the responsibilities of Pakistan had further increased now and it was being expected that the government would show the same enthusiasm to help bring different Afghan groups to the dialogue table which it expressed during the peace talks between Taliban and America.

He also urged different Afghan groups to learn a lesson from the past, shun mutual violence and make sincere efforts to establish peace in the war-torn country.

“I appeal to the political players in Afghanistan to set aside their mutual differences for the sake of Afghan people. If Afghans could make peace with the US then there should be no issue for them to sit together.”

He welcomed all initiatives to help improve security conditions in Afghanistan and ensure development of the country. However, he warned the world of spoilers and conspiracies that could derail the peace process in Afghanistan. Enemies of Islam never wanted peace in the region, he added.

Sirajul Haq also expressed anger and concern over the alleged removal of oath regarding finality of the prophethood from the Haj form. Demanding an inquiry into the matter, he said those responsible for this “heinous act” must be exposed and brought to book. He said some elements in the ranks of the government were bent upon “damaging the Islamic identity of the country” but their dreams would never be fulfilled.

He also demanded the international community to break its silence and take steps to ensure the security and safety of Muslims in India.

Meanwhile, JI deputy chief Liaquat Baloch stated that it had been proved that no superpower or imperialist force could defeat a nation by using bombs.

The international community, he said, must ensure the self-respect and sovereignty of every nation if it sincerely wanted peace in the world. He said the puppets of America in Afghanistan had to lick the dust at last and Washington was compelled to start direct dialogue with the Taliban to get a safe exit from the country.

Similarly, he added, the supporters of Modi government in India-held Kashmir had completely lost their significance and Hurriat leaders emerged as the real heroes of the people of the occupied area.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2020