Unity critical to defeating hostile designs against Pakistan: speakers

RAWALPINDI: Ulema and religious scholars on Sunday underscored national unity, religious harmony and collective resolve alongside the armed forces as essential to defeating hostile designs against Pakistan at a Paigham-e-Pakistan conference held in Rawalpindi.

The conference, themed “Pulpit and prayer niche: a violence-free society, religious harmony, victory of the Battle of Truth, national unity and the promotion of Paigham-e-Pakistan,” was presided over by Chairman, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad.

Addressing the gathering, Maulana Azad said Pakistan, founded on the Kalima Tayyaba, required unity, stability and national cohesion to safeguard its security and future. A source of national pride, he said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces for the country’s defence and protection.

He said the armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, had achieved decisive success in the Battle of Truth, adding that the outcome had enhanced Pakistan’s honour and standing across the world.

The success, he added, was not only Pakistan’s achievement but a victory for the entire Muslim Ummah.Maulana Azad said the nation remained united for Pakistan’s security, defence and sovereignty, and paid tribute to the enduring sacrifices of the armed forces.

He said the trust reposed by Muslim leaders in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s military leadership reflected confidence in Pakistan and affection for the country across the Muslim world.

Referring to regional and international developments, he said Pakistan had been bestowed, among 57 Islamic countries, with the honour of protecting the holy sites, and described the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence agreement as a guarantor of security for the Muslim Ummah. He said remarks by Saudi Crown

Prince Mohammed bin Salman referring to himself as Pakistan’s ambassador were a matter of pride and honour for the country.

Maulana Azad warned that hostile forces were attempting to create terrorism and instability to damage national cohesion, urging the nation to remain vigilant and united to foil nefarious designs.

He also welcomed steps taken by the Punjab Government to enhance the status of mosque imams and to register religious seminaries, calling them conducive to order, harmony and stability.

Commissioner Rawalpindi Aamir Khattak, deputy commissioners from various districts, and religious scholars representing all schools of thought from the Rawalpindi and Gujrat divisions attended the conference.

In their remarks, the Ulema said unity and national cohesion were the most effective means to counter adversaries’ plans, stressing that religious platforms must play a constructive role in promoting peace, harmony and rejection of violence.

The conference concluded with special prayers for Pakistan’s security, progress and prosperity, unity of the Muslim world, protection of the holy sites, and freedom for Gaza, Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.