DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A multiparty conference titled ‘peace and our responsibilities’ hosted by Jamaat-i-Islami on Sunday gathered religious, political, civil society, and business leaders, who highlighted the urgent challenges of sectarian strife, law and order, administrative neglect, energy shortages, inflation, and the ongoing institutional breakdown, especially in the education sector.

A key point of the criticism throughout the event was directed at Dr Shakeebullah, former vice-chancellor of Gomal University. Several speakers held him responsible for the deteriorating state of both Gomal and Agriculture University, Dera.

They alleged that under his leadership, administrative mismanagement worsened, leading to the collapse of academic standards and widespread discontent among faculty and students alike.

They demanded restoring university autonomy and appointing local qualified professionals to leadership roles.

Speakers decry ‘deteriorating’ standard of Gomal, agriculture varsities

Speaking on the occasion, Allama Ramzan Tauqeer, vice-president of Shia Ulema Council Pakistan, warned that “peace is not a sectarian agenda but a human and Islamic obligation.”

He cautioned that provocative rhetoric from religious platforms was worsening tensions and called for inter-sectarian tolerance and dialogue.

Mufti Asad Mahmood Maki emphasised that the solution to today’s crises lies in the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), arguing that when governance deviates from Islamic principles, chaos inevitably follows.

Former MPA and chairman Peace Jirga, Haji Abdul Haleem Khan Qasuria, reaffirmed the Dera city’s long tradition of communal harmony and vowed to resist conspiracies aimed at destabilising the region.

Dr Najmuddin Siraj of Jamia Sirajul Uloom emphasised the dangers of internal disunity, warning that foreign powers benefit from Muslim divisions. He urged a scholarly framework for unity legislation that honours both the Prophet’s family and companions.

Representing the provincial government, Gulzaman Awan acknowledged the demolitions along the Indus River but claimed that proper legal notices were issued in advance.

He also admitted the KP government’s limited control over federal departments like Wapda and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, but assured that grid station upgrades and transformer replacements were under way.

Journalist Mohammad Aslam Awan condemned the closure of riverside recreational areas and criticised the city administration’s overall performance.

Sohail Azmi, president of Central Traders Association, decried skyrocketing inflation as “economic terrorism,” asserting that unchecked utility bills and tax burdens were killing small businesses.

Dr Saeedur Rehman of the Peace Committee emphasised non-coercive religious teaching and warned against ideological exploitation of youth.

District leader Manzar Masood Khattak presented the joint declaration, announcing the formation of a representative committee to coordinate with the district administration on resolving key issues.

The event concluded with a joint declaration demanding immediate reforms in governance, transparent development schemes, revival of educational institutions, and representation of all sects in the peace committees. It was resolved that a united delegation would soon present these demands to the chief minister.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2025