SIALKOT, Oct 17: Federal Religious Affairs Minister Muhammad Ijazul Haq has urged religious scholars of all sects to promote harmony and help the government prevent extremist elements from committing terrorism.

Speaking at a special meeting of the ulema at the Civil Rest House at Cantonment on Sunday, he called for a joint strategy to spread the message of unity and fraternity in the country.

He condemned the recent spate of terrorism in various cities, and said "it is unimaginable that a Muslim kills Muslim while offering prayers at a mosque." He said no solid evidence had yet been found in the blasts in Sialkot, Multan and Lahore.

Later, Mr Haq told newsmen that the terrorist acts by few misguided people had not only tarnished the image of Islam but also brought a bad name to the country. "We are not living in isolation but are part of an inter-dependent world where all the states and people, irrespective of their faith and ideology, have to interact with each other for peace, harmony and sustainable development," he emphasized.

District Nazim Mian Naeem Javed, DCO Syed Tahir Raza Naqvi and acting Sialkot DPO Shariq Jamal Khan also attended the meeting.