LAHORE: In a joint declaration, the Pakistan Stability Ulema-Mashaykh Conference on Sunday called for the identification and exposure of all individuals involved in the May 9 attacks on the Pakistan Army and security agencies.
Led by Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, the conference brought together religious, political, and minority leaders from across the country who expressed their strong opposition to campaigns against Pakistan and its security forces in the guise of human rights.
The conference attendees urged the government to take legal action against those propagating against state institutions and spreading false narratives. Emphasizing the seriousness of the May 9 events, the declaration announced the PUC’s decision to hold an all-party conference immediately after the Hajj pilgrimage to address the current situation in the country.
Prominent religious scholars, including Allama Abdul Haq Mujahid, Maulana Muhammad Rafiq Jami, and Maulana Nouman Hashir, addressed the conference, which saw participation from over 1,000 representatives from different religious schools of thought, religions, and various segments of society.
Ulema Conference Condemns May 9 Attacks
The joint declaration vehemently condemned the May 9 attacks and expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs. The conference demanded the apprehension and punishment of all individuals involved in the attacks, stressing that no one should be exempted and innocent people should not be wrongfully detained.
The Ulema-Mashaykh conference called for adherence to the rule of law and transparency in legal proceedings. It rejected baseless opposition to cases conducted under the Army Act, underscoring the importance of upholding the Constitution and respecting individual rights.
Addressing concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws, the conference clarified that these laws should not be exploited for personal or political gains. It emphasized that the law is not being misused against any political party and called on international organizations and countries to understand the true context.
To address the prevailing challenges, the PUC announced the formation of a 15-member committee tasked with gathering comprehensive details about the May 9 events, human rights issues, and blasphemy law cases. The committee will present these details at international forums.
The conference also rejected propaganda against Pakistan’s armed forces and security institutions. It urged the activation of Pakistan’s embassies in the United States, United Kingdom, and European countries to counter such elements and provide accurate information regarding the May 9 events. Similarly, diplomatic representatives in Pakistan and at the international level should be briefed on the facts.
In a bid to promote national unity, the Ulema-Mashaykh conference called on religious and political parties to engage in negotiations for the greater interest of the country. They emphasized the need for electoral reforms and an end to violence in politics.
The PUC announced a nationwide campaign to educate the younger generation about the real situation in the country, debunk conspiracies aiming to create conflicts between the nation and the armed forces, and provide clarity on the blasphemy law. This initiative will involve cooperation with the International Interfaith Harmony Council in mosques, Imambargahs, and places of worship for non-Muslims across the country.
Furthermore, the conference demanded the immediate release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani citizen imprisoned in the United States.
