Ulema appeal for government, Taliban ceasefire

LAHORE: Ulema (religious scholars) from across the country agreed that peace in Pakistan could only be achieved through talks.

The Ulema and Scholars Convention chaired by Maulana Samiul Haq was held here on Saturday following which a joint statement was issued. The statement placed emphasis on the dialogue process and called for the use of force to be avoided if talks failed.

Ulema also sought the Taliban support for the restoration of peace in the country.

The statement added that a ceasefire was necessary for talks to be successful and Ulema appealed to the Taliban and government to announce a ceasefire.

The statement placed responsibility on both parties in the peace talks to ensure the dialogue process was not interrupted.

According to the statement, additional Ulema conventions were required in all four provinces.