ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday sought Muslim scholars' help in curbing extremism and urged the country's youth to follow Islamic teachings of tolerance and peace.
Gilani's appeal came after suspected militants gunned down minorities affairs minister Shahbaz Bhatti in broad daylight in Islamabad last week.
The minister's assassination last week rekindled international fears about extremist violence in Pakistan.
“The country's present situation demands that we follow the life of the Prophet Mohammad, who taught us tolerance and brotherhood,” Gilani told a conference of Muslim scholars.
Some 300 Islamic scholars from Pakistan and abroad are attending the privately arranged three-day conference aimed at hammering out a strategy to end extremism in the country.
“Today we need to follow the true message of tolerance and understanding preached and practiced by the Holy Prophet,” Gilani told the participants.
He said the murderers of Shahbaz Bhatti tried to create a “wedge” between Muslims and Christians.
But, he said, “I warn such elements they will never succeed in their objective.”Gilani said that Islam and the Pakistani constitution ensure rights and freedom for minorities.
Talking about drone attacks, Gilani said Pakistan was employing diplomatic means to stop these attacks.
He further said that a strong opposition would only lead to a strong prime minister.
Scholars, in their speeches, vowed opposition to suicide bombings, extremism and terrorism, saying that they were struggling to spread Islam's message of peace.
“Extremism, terrorism and suicide attacks are heinous acts and have nothing to do with Islam. Such acts violate what Islam stands for,” senior scholar Mufti Abu Huraira Mohiuddin told the gathering.
“Some misguided individuals are violating Islamic teachings. Islam guarantees protection for all of humanity,” he added.
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