Islamabad / Lahore: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that any person or organization taking up arms against the state is a terrorist. Our religion and constitution clearly state that those who take up arms against the state are terrorists.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain met with religious scholars and leaders from various faiths, led by Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.
Addressing the scholars and leaders, Mohsin Naqvi said that consultations with religious scholars and leaders from other faiths have begun to end terrorism.
He and Federal Minister Salik Hussain will lead this national mission. He emphasized that first and foremost, we are all Pakistanis and Pakistan comes first.
Naqvi noted that we must escape the turmoil we are being pushed into, and this can only be achieved with the help of religious leaders and others.
He stressed the need for national unity to end terrorism and to block the paths of those who incite violence in the name of Islam.
He stated that Islam and the laws of our country categorically forbid the unjust killing of anyone. We must unite against the curse of terrorism for the sake of our country. By promoting unity and solidarity, we can send a strong message.
Naqvi added that we are still offering those who have taken up arms against the state the opportunity to surrender.
He urged them to recognize the state, the constitution, and the law. The government will visit each province and deliver this message to all provincial capitals, as well as to the President and Prime Minister, who are working tirelessly on this cause.
He stressed the need to stop the misuse of Islam’s name, asserting that the true leaders of the religion are the scholars and saints, not those who bear arms against the state.
He reiterated the message of national unity against terrorism.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain emphasized the need to protect the new generation from the destructive influences of violence and terrorism.
He called for joint efforts from the government, institutions, and scholars to secure a safe future for Pakistan.
He stressed that the protection of every Pakistani’s life and property is the state’s responsibility and urged scholars to raise their voices against those who take up arms against the state.
Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad also addressed the religious scholars and leaders. A consensus statement was issued after the meeting.
The statement rejected the narratives of extremists and terrorists in the country, affirming that Islam is a religion of peace that advocates respect for human dignity and a violence-free society.
It called for interfaith and intercultural harmony and national unity in the current circumstances. It emphasized that Islam does not permit unjust killing.
The statement paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces and expressed solidarity with the courageous armed forces.
It affirmed Islam’s guarantee of the rights of minorities, women, and children.
Further, it stated that “Message Pakistan” is a significant narrative that should be spread through religious platforms. The current focus should be on unity and solidarity rather than division.
The meeting was attended by prominent religious leaders, including Maulana Zia-ur-Rehman Imam of Faisal Mosque, Maulana Muhammad Tayyib Qureshi Chief Imam of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and various other scholars and leaders from different faiths.
Federal Secretary for Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, IG Police Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and relevant officials were also present.