KARACHI, Jan 13: Religious leaders and scholars at a conference held here on Saturday night appealed to ulema belonging to all schools of though to shun their differences and work for the unity of Ummah to defeat anti-Islam and anti-Pakistan forces.

The “Religious Tolerance and Peace Conference” was organised by the Jamaat-i-Islami at its city headquarter, Idara Noor-i-Haq.

It warned Muslims against the “US designs to keep the Ummah divided on various lines”.

JI provincial chief Maulana Asadullah Bhutto, who presided over the conference, said ulema and religious leaders must preach peace and tolerance to ensure sectarian harmony in the country, especially during Muharram.

He observed: “Pakistan is the target of evil forces which are after its nuclear programme and bent upon getting it rolled back. Muslim entities around the world must forge unity to defeat the evil forces and foil their conspiracies.”

He alleged that the government was not discharging its duties. “Had the government dispensed its responsibilities keenly and efficiently, the situation would have been different,” he said.

Mohammad Hussain Mehanti told the audience that ulema could prevent sectarian hatred by avoiding criticising other sects or their followers.

Siddique Rathor, Maulana Sulfi, Maulana Abdul Rauf and Syed Nazir Abbas Taqvi were of the view that there was complete sectarian harmony in the country. However, they warned, anti-Islam forces were out to disturb peace. He said the Milli Yakjehti Council and Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal had different sects in its fold and all its components were determined to maintain sectarian harmony and peace across the country.

Mufti Usman Yar Khan said the country was faced with internal and external threats created through conspiracies and in this situation, ulema and other religious leaders must play an active role in foiling the conspiracies.

Mirza Yusuf Hussain, Syed Baqir Naqvi, Maulana Shahjahan Kyani, Allama Arshad Zahid, Maulana Ghulam Farid, Maulana Ibrahim Hanif and Mufti Ali Zaman also spoke at the conference.