LOWER DIR: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl workers on Saturday staged a rally here against the suicide blast in the Peshawar Police Lines’ mosque, and to express solidarit with the security forces and the police.

Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans for peace, the JUI-F workers marched on the roads and gathered outside the Timergara Press Club.

Speaking on the occasion, JUI-F Lower Dir chief Sirajuddin, general secretary Haji Javed Iqbal, Qazi Ayazuddin and others condemned the blast and expressed sympathy with the victims’ families.

The speakers said they would stand by the security forces and the police in their fight to stamp out militancy.

The JUI-F leaders demanded of the government to compensate the families of the martyrs and injured persons.

Meanwhile, JUI-F former MNA Maulana Mohammad Qasim has claimed seminaries and their students are the ideological custodians of Pakistan.

He was addressing a ‘Khatam-i-Bukhari Sharif’ function held at Darul Uloom Mazharul Islam in Ouch the other day.

Maulana Qasim claimed seminaries and ulema were playing a vital role in preaching the teachings of Islam.

He alleged a conspiracy had been hatched to defame seminaries. He urged students to make efforts for enlightening the new generation.

MOTHER TONGUE: Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party’s provincial secretary Sartaj Khan has said his party in collaboration with the University of Malakand will arrange a function in Chakdara Chinar Kor on Feb 21 to mark the International Mother Language Day.

Talking to reporters in Chakdara, he said prominent linguists, scholars, writers, poets and intellectuals would speak on the occasion.

He said the day was being observed across the globe to promote linguistic diversity and spread awareness about the importance of mother tongue in education.

Mr Sartaj said Pakhtuns lived in all parts of the world united by their mother tongue and unique culture. He said Pakhtuns were also known for their hospitality, bravery, love and sympathy.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2023