Youm-e-Paigham-e-Pakistan was observed across the country on the appeal of the National Peace Message Committee, with religious scholars from all schools of thought delivering a united message against extremism, terrorism and sectarian violence.
From Karachi to Khyber, Ulema, Mashaikh, Imams and religious preachers addressed Friday congregations and urged people to follow the Paigham-e-Pakistan consensus Fatwa and the national narrative.
Scholars deliver united message from pulpits nationwide
The scholars declared with one voice that Islam has no link with terrorism and that those who use religion to justify violence are rebels against Islam and deserve condemnation.
They said Pakistan is an Islamic state and any attack on its institutions, armed forces, scholars or citizens whether Muslim or non-Muslim is strictly forbidden.
Such acts, they said, go against the clear teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
They also reaffirmed their full support for the state, society and the armed forces and assured cooperation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to ensure peace and stability in the country.
At the same time, they said they would continue to speak for truth and against any un-Islamic practice in line with Islamic principles.
Paigham-e-Pakistan declared the national shield against extremism
The scholars said Pakistan has faced serious ideological and security challenges over the past decades due to extremism and sectarianism.
In this difficult background, Paigham-e-Pakistan emerged as a united and state-backed national narrative, endorsed by Ulema from Deobandi, Barelvi, Ahl-e-Hadith, Shia and other schools of thought.
They stressed that Paigham-e-Pakistan is not just a statement but a strong intellectual and religious document that clearly rejects violence, rebellion and misuse of religion.
The consensus Fatwa declares that any armed action in the name of religion inside Pakistan is unconstitutional and religiously forbidden.
The scholars said Islam gives the highest importance to the sanctity of human life and no individual or group has the right to take up arms against the state.
They added that only the state has the authority to declare jihad or make such decisions.
Calling for unity the religious leaders warned that hate speech, sectarianism and takfir poison society. They urged people to promote tolerance, respect and dialogue to secure lasting peace and harmony in Pakistan.
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