lahore: Addressing a Press Conference on Tuesday in Islamabad, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said that elements questioning the role of security forces for not taking action against sit-in protesters should be asked if they wanted the military to take up guns and gun down the protesters. He said criticism of security institutions of the country had become a trend in Pakistan
Ashrafi was flanked by Maulana Abdul Hameed Sabri, Maulana Nauman Hashir, Maulana Tahir Aqeel Awan, Maulana Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Maulana Shahbaz Ahmed, Maulana Naib Khan, Maulana Ilyas Muslim, Maulana Mumtaz Rabbani, Maulana Umar Sharif, Maulana Ashfaq Patafi.
He said when civil administration failed miserably to control the situation, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi tasked Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa to control the situation; and military leadership resolved the blockade of Faizabad sit-in through peaceful dialogue instead of using power against protesters. He said that endeavours on the account of security institutions and other notable individuals to end the sit-in at Faizabad were laudable.
Pakistan Ulema Council demands investigation of all affairs related to the blockade of Faisalabad by protesters of Tehrek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah, said Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi. He also announced to carryout countrywide campaign for annihilation of terrorism and extremism from 12th Rabiul Awwal.
Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi underlined that it was the responsibility of each and every Muslim to remain firm for protection of ‘Finality of Prophethood’ belief. He said demands raised by the leadership of Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah were right as people of Pakistan wanted to know, who was responsible for attempted amendment in finality of Prophethood belief declaration in electoral reforms bill.
He said if Zahid Hamid had resigned from his office earlier, 10 precious lives and damage worth billions done to public and private property could have been avoided.
He said Pakistan Ulema Council had been raising voice to settle the issue through peaceful talks since the first day when the issue emerged; adding that egoistic attitude of some ministers worsened the situation.
He said Pakistan Ulema Council welcomed Islamic Military Alliance. He said the categorical stance of Raheel Sharif had made it clear that the alliance had been constituted to uproot the menace of terrorism and extremism and had no intentions against any country or religious sect.
The Pakistan Ulema Council chairman stated that leadership of Pakistan Ulema Council will support and endorse every bid for annihilation of extremism and terrorism from the Muslim world.
Responding to a query, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi underlined that leadership of security forces had always played a crucial role in the face of any challenge to the country.
Published in Daily Times, November 29th 2017.
