ISLAMABAD, Aug 12: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), taking note of the recent terrorist attacks on Christian worship places, schools and hospitals, has strongly condemned such heinous crimes committed in the name of Islam and Jihad.

“Islam is a religion of peace, which inculcates the sacred principles of universal brotherhood and respect for human life and dignity,” a statement of the council said here on Monday.

The statement stated that it was a pity indeed that some of the misguided enthusiasts violated these injunctions of Islam by committing such terrorist attacks against innocent people.

“Non-Muslim citizens of Pakistan are fully entitled to protect their lives, properties and honour”.

The Ulema and religious scholars must advise the misguided and ignorant brethren to refrain themselves from such terrorist acts.

Such acts not only tarnish the image of country and the Muslims but also stigmatize the great religion of Islam, the CII statement added.