History won't forgive clerics if sectarianism harmed Pakistan: Shahbaz

RAWALPINDI: Chief Minister of Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Sunday said that if religious sectarianism caused any harm to the country then the history would never forgive the ulema (religious clerics), Geo News reported.

He said this while talking to a delegation of prominent ulema, who met him here today.

He stressed upon them to propagate the message of love, tolerance and religious harmony in Pakistan and play their role for peace and stability of the society.

“Besides the government, it is also a responsibility of the ulema to make their best efforts for promoting peace, amity and religious concord. They should fully support the efforts of the government for peace and tranquility”, said he.

The chief minister said that ulema will have to cooperate with the government by utilizing their collective wisdom for the promotion of peace, unity and harmony.

“Pakistan is facing terrorism, extremism, weak economy and several other challenges and there is a need of mutual unity and harmony at this critical juncture”, Shahbaz said.

He further added that government had already taken a decision to conduct an inquiry into Rawalpindi incident on 10th of Muharram by a judge of Islamabad High Court.

During the meeting Shahbaz reiterated that those involved in any administrative and security lapse would not be spared.

“A committee has been constituted to inquire into the incident from various angles and for assessment of the losses to property”, he added.
He also assured the delegation of early completion of judicial inquiry and bringing the culprits to justice.

The CM also issued orders to Secretary Health for providing the best treatment facilities for the injured.

In the end he said that people expect that ulema would give the message of peace and unity in the society.

The delegation, which was led by Maulana Sami ul Haq , Maulana Hanif Jallandhri and Maulana Ashraf Ali included Maulana Zahid Mahmood Qasmi, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Maulana Qari Abdul Rashid, Maulana Abdul Majeed Hazarvi, Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Siddique, Maulana Dr. Atiq ur Rehman, Maulana Fazal ur Rehman Khalil, Maulana Habib ur Rehman, Maulana Yousaf Shah, Maulana Gohar Rehman, Maulana Muhammad Owais, Maulana Qari Sardar, and others.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Provincial Minister for Law, Rana Sanaullah, were also present on the occasion.