ISLAMABAD: Ulema and scholars of Ahl-i-Sunnat Wal Jamaat on Friday offered their cooperation in ending the government-Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) standoff and urged both sides to settle the issue through dialogue.

A group of Ulema of the specific sect from all over the country met President Dr Arif Alvi when the TLP’s long march, started from Lahore, reached Wazirabad.

Media reports said the government engaged TLP chief Saad Rivzi for talks but no breakthrough has so far been made. According to Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, TLP’s main demand was closing down of French embassy in Pakistan for publication of blasphemous caricatures that caused anger in the Muslim world in general and Pakistan in particular.

President Dr Arif Alvi said Islam stressed upon affinity and harmony among the mankind and called upon Ulema to play a positive role in defusing the ongoing tense situation in the country.

The president expressed these views in a consultative meeting with a delegation of Ulema of Ahle-i-Sunnat Wal Jamaat from different districts led by Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.

President Alvi said since the establishment of Pakistan, Ulema had always played a significant role in providing moral and religious guidance to people besides standing with the State in difficult times. He said the present government raised voice against Islamophobia and for the sanctity of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at all international fora and advocated the stance in an effective manner.

He mentioned that the government had also set up the Rehmatul Lil Alameen Authority, which would promote the glowing teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and guide the nation to follow his footsteps for success in this life and hereafter.

President Alvi said Islam was a religion of peace and urged the mankind to practice brotherhood and tolerance. It also stresses upon protecting the lives and property of each other and discourages acts of violence, he added.

The Ulema expressed concern over reports of violence causing harm to the lives and property of the public, stressing that violence would negatively impact the image of the country as well as Islam. The Ulema offered their support and services to resolve the situation peacefully and in an amicable way.

Besides Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, the members of the delegation included Sarwat Ejaz Qadri, President Sunni Tehreek (Karachi); Sahibzada Hamid Raza, President Sunni Ittehad Council (Faisalabad); Pir Khalid Sultan Bahu, Chairman Jamaatul Saaleheen and Pir of Sultan Bahu (Quetta); Pir Abdul Khaliq, Pir of Bharchundi Sharif (Ghotki); Dr Abul Khair Mohammad Zubair Chairman, Milli Yakjehti Council (Hyderabad); Hamid Saeed Kazmi, former MNA (Multan); Pir Haseenuddin Shah, President Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (Rawalpindi); Pir Mohammad Amin, Pir of Manki Sharif (Nowshera); Pir Khawaja Ghulam Qutab Fareed, Pir of Kot Mithan Sharif (Rahim Yar Khan); Pir Ghulam Mohammad Sayalvi, Pir of Sayal Sharif (Sargodha); Sahibzada Hafiz Hamid Raza, MLA AJK Assembly; Mufti Wazeer Qadri.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2021