RAWALPINDI, Jan 13: Ulema and religious scholars from different schools of thought on Thursday rejected the establishment of Aga Khan Education Board saying the move was a conspiracy to secularise the country.

Speaking at an ulema conference at the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Press Club organized by the Islami Jamiat Tulaba, they said the issue concerned with the ideology of the country and demanded that the decision be taken back forthwith or else they would launch a countrywide movement against the government.

Central leader Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Qari Gul Rehman MNA said the establishment of Aga Khan Board, removal of religion column from the passport, efforts to cancel Hudood Ordinance, propaganda against Jehad and other such issues were part of the US agenda to westernise the life of the Muslims.

Gen Musharraf's policies are distancing the nation from the armed forces. East Pakistan tragedy, Ojri Camp episode and now operations in Wana and Baluchistan are creating hatred in the people's minds against the army, he noted.

The MNA vowed that they won't allow any changes in textbooks or establishment of the board. He said the IJT and Muttahida Tulaba Mahaz had the support of the whole country over this issue. Protests would be registered on the floor of the National Assembly in its next meeting, he said.

Hakim Saharanpuri said Pakistan was an ideological country and the main purpose of its establishment was to implement Shariah. But, unfortunately, no effort was made for this purpose, he regretted.

He demanded constitution of a committee to prepare a new education system in accordance with the ideological requirements of the country. The committee should include ulema, students representatives, teachers and education experts, he proposed. He also demanded establishment of a uniform education system in the country.

Maulana Abdul Jalil said education was the base of a nation's ideology. He regretted what he said the authorities efforts to introduce a secular education system. "Policies are being implemented which are opposed to the concept of Jehad, a basic article of faith," he lamented.

The ulema warned the government to cancel the presidential ordinance with respect to the establishment of Aga Khan Board or else a movement would be launched.