In a major boost for Pakistan government, Sunni and Shia religious parties in Pakistan have backed military action against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and would observe February 28 as the “Anti-Taliban day”.
Islamabad, Feb 27/Nationalturk – The Sunni and Shia religious parties in Pakistan have backed military action against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and would observe February 28 as the “Anti-Taliban day”.
Representatives of Sunni groups including Deobandi and Shia groups met under the banner of Tahaffuz Namoos-i-Risalat Mahaz in Pakistan’s Punjab province’s Lahore yesterday to discuss the prevailing situation in the country.
Among the religious leaders who attended the meeting included Sunni Ittehad Council chief Hamid Raza, Sunni Tehrik chief Sarwat Ijaz Qadri, Jamia Naeemia’s Allama Raghib Hussain Naeemi, TNRM president Razaul Mustafa Naqshbandi, Almi Tanzim Ahle Sunnat chief Pir Afzal Qadri, Mufti Muhammad Khan Qadri, JUP Sawad Azam chief Pir Mehfooz Mashadi.
‘Military offensive against TTP should continue’
The religious parties unanimously demanded a decisive operation against TTP militants. “The military offensive against militants only can restore peace in the country”.
“Patronizing and supporting the Taliban should be declared a serious crime against the State and those found guilty of the criminal act be dealt with an iron hand and given exemplary punishment to eliminate militancy from the country,” read the joint statement issued at the end of the meeting.
The religious parties sought end of all kinds of dialogue with TTP saying the dialogue policy has failed.
“An all-out war against TTP was the only option to establish peace in the country,” further reads the statement.
‘Talks with militant groups are unconstitutional’
Terming negotiations with militant outfits as unconstitutional, the religious parties demanded that army should be given a free hand to crush terrorists and the military operation should continue.
The statement attacked two main religious parties of country Jamaat-i-Islami and JUI (F) for backing Taliban. “These parties are political wings of the Taliban”.
The representatives of religious parties decided to launch countrywide “Go Taliban Go” drive and observe February 28 as “Anti-Taliban day”.
Denouncing the use of guns for the implementation of Islamic law, they said those attacking mosques, churches as well as civilians and security forces cannot be torchbearers of Sharia law.
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Asia News/ NationalTurk Pakistan News
