LAHORE: A joint declaration adopted by the supreme council of the Milli Yakjehti Council (MYC) – a conglomerate of 22 religious and political parties and organisations – has warned of an `international conspiracy’ that is pushing Pakistan towards the sectarian crisis to create a Middle East-like situation in Pakistan.

Held here at Jamaat-i-Islami headquarters on Thursday and presided over by its president Dr Abual Khair Zubair, the joint communiqué further condemned the killing of Dr Adil Khan and linked it to the conspiracy of initiating sectarian violence in Pakistan.

The sequence in the incidents of recent attacks on the family members and companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and on the finality of the prophethood were the proof of the fact that some forces wanted to destabilise the country.

The MYC declared that the government had failed to take decisive action for the Kashmir cause, which was tantamount to facilitating New Delhi’s control on the area. It also expressed concern over the recognition of Israel by some Muslim countries and asked OIC to take strong stand against it.

The meeting condemned rising inflation, unemployment and rape incidents due to worst law and order situation, saying the overall situation had exposed the government’s incapability and failure.

The government was asked to take back the FATF-related legislations, saying the laws aimed at compromising the country’s freedom to the international powers and lending agencies. The meeting vowed to resist the government attempts to secularise education curriculum and take control of mosques and religious seminaries through the introduction of Waqf Bill.

JI chief Sirajul Haq who hosted the event, condemned the government’s undemocratic act to create hurdles in the way of opposition protest.

Participants of the meeting included heads and representatives of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan-Noorani, Pakistan Awami Tehreek, Tehreek-e-Islam, Tehreek Jawanan Pakistan, Majlise Wahdatul Muslimeen, Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Markazi Ulema Council, Islami Jamhoori Ittehad and Tehreek-i-Awaisia.

The meeting unanimously decided to extend tenure of MYC President Dr Abual Khair and Secretary General Liaqat Baloch and other office-bearers for another year.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2020