ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Madaris Council Pakistan has distanced itself from statements attributed to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding Pakistan Army and the martyrs of Kargil, saying religious seminaries have no connection with any narrative that disrespects national sacrifices.
In a press release issued on July 21, the council’s spokesperson, Allama Dr Mir Muhammad Asif Akbar Qadri, said Pakistan’s religious seminaries, mosques, scholars and students remain fully detached from anti-state activities, campaigns against national institutions and any attempt to undermine the sacrifices of martyrs.
He said the country’s madaris have always served as centres of peace, moderation, national cohesion and ideological commitment to Pakistan.
The council said Pakistan Army’s martyrs and ghazis are national heroes whose sacrifices for the defence of the homeland will always remain a source of pride for the nation.
Dr Qadri said it was regrettable that the name of seminaries, mosques, scholars and students was being used in some political campaigns against the armed forces and their martyrs.
He said linking religious institutions with such matters was unfair and contrary to reality.
The council clarified that any position adopted by Maulana Fazlur Rehman represented his party’s personal and political view and did not reflect the position of religious boards, madaris or Muttahida Madaris Council Pakistan.
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Leaders of several religious education bodies endorsed the council’s joint position and reaffirmed respect for Pakistan Army, security institutions, martyrs and ghazis.
Those supporting the statement included Allama Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Allama Dr Mir Muhammad Asif Akbar Qadri, Dr Mufti Muhammad Karim Khan, Mufti Abdul Latif, Mufti Muhammad Zubair Faheem, Mufti Muhammad Yousaf Kashmiri, Allama Tauqeer Abbas, Maulana Adil Attari and Allama Muhammad Zahid Mansoor.
The leaders said madaris and mosques should not be dragged into political disputes.
They added that Pakistan’s religious institutions have always stood for peace, unity, patriotism and national stability.
The council appealed to the government, political and religious parties and media organisations to avoid making madaris, mosques, scholars and students a party to controversies unrelated to them.
It said respect for martyrs, national unity and the dignity of state institutions must remain a collective priority.
