News
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Istehkam-e-Pakistan Conference todayLAHORE: The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) has convened “Istehkam-e-Pakistan Conference” [conference for stability in Pakistan] in Islamabad today (Sunday) to decide a course-of-action with regard to the country’s current situation, violent incidents in Islamabad and Bhakkar, situation at the Line of Control and the government’s offer to the Taliban to hold peace talks. The conference will be attended by the leaders of the country’s top political and religious parties.
PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incidents in Bhakkar and Islamabad. He said that Sunni and Shia leaderships should come forward to resolve the issue and discourage elements that want to spark sectarian violence in the country.
Ashrafi said that the conference would be attended by leaders of more than 30 political and religious parties as well as representatives of non-Muslim communities living in Pakistan.
Responding to a question, he said that the government’s offer to the Taliban to hold peace talks was a positive development. However, all political and religious parties should be taken into confidence over this issue. The public should know under what conditions these negotiations are taking place and what future strategy the government has if these talks fail or succeed. pr
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk