LAHORE: Scholars of various schools of thought, as well as political and religious leaders, have called for creating unity in the country for making joint efforts for the flood-hit people.

Pakistan Ulema Council chairman Hafiz Tahir Ashraf and others speaking at a press conference here on Sunday, urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi to play their role in creating an atmosphere of understanding.

They demanded all political parties should give up political activities for three months and start charitable work to help the flood-affected people.

Ashrafi also urged the philanthropists and the well-off to pay their Zakat due for the next year now so that the people affected by the unprecedented rains and floods might be provided relief.He said the government and the opposition must join hands for serving the people displaced by the floods, providing them food and other essential items, besides rebuilding their shelters.

He said the people should submit their donations with the welfare camps of the Pakistan Army and the volunteers should participate in the welfare activities alongside the armed forces.

He thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and other Islamic countries and the rest of the world for announcing financial assistance for the flood-hit people in Pakistan.

Those present at the presser also included Maulana Muhammad Khan Leghari, Maulana Zafarullah Shafiq, Syed Ziaullah Shah Bukhari and Maulana Muhammad Ali Naqshbandi.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2022