Aziz for greater Muslim unity to defeat terrorism, extremism

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday emphasised the need for greater Muslim unity to defeat the menace of terrorism and extremism. Speaking at a reception hosted by Pakistan Ulema Council in honour of Secretary General of Muslim World League Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim al-Issa, the adviser said that the Muslim world is passing through serious challenges and the internal differences are resulting in deepening the crisis.
He said that Islam is a religion of peace and the terrorist and extremism elements through violent activates are trying to give a bad name to Islam.
Referring to the counterterrorism operations against the militants, Aziz said that Pakistan has undertaken successful operations which helped reduced the incidents of terrorism across the country.
He stated that it is unfortunate that Muslims are killing their fellow Muslims in Syria and Libya, adding armed conflicts within the Muslim world should be resolved through peaceful and political negotiations.
Speaking on the occasion, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security (NSA) Lieutenant General (Retd) Nasir Janjua said that it is unfortunate that the Muslims have forgotten the true meaning of Islam and are divided into many groups. He said that Ulema and religious scholars should play their due role to bring unity among the ranks and remove the internal differences, adding it is responsibility of everyone to play one's role with a view to avoid division within the society.
He said that Pakistan and its people have been the worst victim of the terrorism for the last 15 years, adding security situation is improving due to the successful military operations. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Abdullah Marzouk al-Zahrani while speaking on the occasion lauded Pakistan's efforts against terrorism and the sacrifices rendered by Pakistani nation.