News
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Political, religious leaders cry foul
ISLAMABAD: Religious and political leaders have condemned sectarian clashes in Rawalpindi and termed them an attempt to destroy peace in the country. At least 10 persons were killed and several injured in clashes near a mourning procession at Fawara Chowk of Raja Bazar in Rawalpindi. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman demanded that the government immediately investigate the tragedy as it was a conspiracy to destroy peace. The JUI-F chief also telephoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and expressed his concern over the clashes. PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said in a statement that while the entire nation was praying for a peaceful Ashura, the Punjab government “lacked full attention to maintaining law and order”. He said the provincial administration could have averted the incident through “simple pre-emptive administrative steps”. PTI Chairman Imran Khan appealed to people to ensure that nefarious designs of “hatemongers” and enemies of Islam and Pakistan are thwarted by a show of unity across the land. “Those who are spreading this message of hatred amongst Muslims are clearly enemies of Islam and Pakistan and are deliberately destroying the stability and peace of the country. PTI condemns all such agendas,” he said. Condemning the clashes, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad demanded a judicial investigation into the tragedy. He claimed that people involved in the clashes were never seen before. MQM leader Altaf Hussain and JI chief Syed Munawar Hasan also expressed grief over the loss of life and property in Rawalpindi. agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk