Religious scholars condemn NATO attack on army checkpost

Staff Report

LAHORE: Religious scholars belonging to Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Sikh and Bahai communities condemned the NATO attacks on the border post in Mohmand Agency in which dozens of the Pakistan Army troops were killed.

According to press releases issued by the Peace and Harmony Network Pakistan (PHNP) and the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (PCBC) on Sunday, both the organisations held separate meetings in Faisalabad and Multan to discuss the promotion of peace and religious harmony in the country and declared the NATO attack as an assault on Pakistan’s sovereignty.

On behalf of the Christian community, the Bishops expressed shock and concern over the incident, terming the strike a direct attack on the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. They said that the NATO attack was against the international law and was unacceptable.

Expressing his sympathies and solidarity with the bereaved families, PCBC President Bishop Joseph Coutts stated that the army troops had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. He paid rich tribute to the patriotism and bravery of the troops and assured that the Christians of Pakistan stood by the army at this crucial juncture.

PHNP Chairman Maulana Zubair Abid and Co-Chairman Bishop Dr Andrew Francis and other participants of the meeting also condemned the NATO attack, demanding international attention to the matter. Presiding over a meeting with representatives of the Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Sikh and Bahai communities in Multan, the religious leaders said that they would work jointly for the promotion of peace and harmony.

Javaid William, Pir Shafaat Rasool, Allama Jawed Akbar Saqi, Maulana Assadullah Farooq, Shakir Rizvi, Shakeelur Rehman Nasir, Amar Nath Randhawa, Pandit Haroon Sarab Diyal and Taranjeet Singh also participated in the meeting.

The Islamic scholars and representatives from Hindu, Christian, Sikh and Bahai communities have decided to work jointly under the banner of the PHNP to support the cause of peace and harmony in Pakistan.

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