PESHAWAR: A consultative moot on ‘national unity against terrorism’ has declared that onslaught in the name of Islam, sectarian clashes and armed struggle against Muslims in an Islamic country are not permissible and such actions violate the sanctity of lives and properties of Muslims.

A statement issued here said that the moot was arranged by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur hosted the meeting at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad.

Representatives of various political and religious parties including Jamaat-i-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, Tehreek Minhajul Quran, Islamic Tehreek, Central Ulema Council and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf attended the event.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, Mohammad Ali Durrani, Prof Mohammad Ibrahim, Liaquat Baloch, Sahibzada Abual Khair Mohammad Zubair, Syed Nasir Abbas Shirazi, Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi and Sahibzada Zahid Mehmood Qasmi were present on the occasion.

Gandapur says event was arranged on directives of Imran

The declaration of the meeting stated the meeting paid homage to the sacrifices of armed forces and other law enforcement agencies. It said that importance of strong army and law enforcement apparatus could not be denied for the integrity of the country.

It said that repression and other tactics to sideline any political party had not succeeded in the past, rather they created more problems. The meeting called all the stakeholders to take confidence building measures through impartial persons for national reconciliation.

The meeting also called for disciplining the elements among the supporters of political parties doing propaganda against institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Gandapur said that the meeting was convened on the directive of PTI founder Imran Khan to have consultation on devising a comprehensive national policy to combat terrorism, sectarianism, ethnic division and lawlessness, ensuring rule of law across the country.

He stressed the need for national unity in light of challenges facing Pakistan. “Due to past policy failures, the country is now grappling with terrorism, sectarianism, ethnic division and lawlessness. It is time to think about the kind of country we want to leave for future generations; and if we aim to leave a better Pakistan, we must formulate and implement a robust policy against terrorism, sectarianism and other divisive issues,” he added.

The chief minister highlighted the role of religious scholars in fostering unity and countering sectarianism, saying that any effort against terrorism could not succeed without public support.

He said that the role of religious scholars was crucial in ending sectarianism. He said that political and religious parties must rise above political affiliations to ensure the supremacy of law.

He said that the proposals shared during the meeting would shape the way forward; and a committee would be formed to ensure their implementation, followed by a follow-up session to be held soon in Peshawar to involve more stakeholders.

Regarding Afghanistan, Mr Gandapur reiterated his stance that dialogue was the only solution to resolving issues with the neighbouring country. He also revealed plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan, comprising representatives from various sectors.

The participants of the meeting urged other provincial and federal governments to follow suit. They stressed the need for continuity in such consultations to achieve sustainable peace and national integration. Recommendations for future initiatives included improving relations with Afghanistan and involving scholars from all schools of thought to resolve key issues, such as those affecting Kurram region.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2025