Deobandi clerics declare war on secularism in Pakistan
- By Anees Hanif -
- Feb 19, 2015
Speaking in a session attended by 20 political groups belonging to Deobandi school of thought, Maulana Sami-ul- Haq claimed that terrorism has nothing to do with any sect.
The renowned cleric maintained that all religious forces are united under the leadership of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman “to fight a conspiracy to turn Pakistan into a secular state”.
Ahle Suunat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) group chief Maulana Ahmed Ludhianvi said that if a single worker of his party will be found involved in anti-State or anti-Army activities, he will present himself before the law.
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The session jointly expressed concern over Peshawar, Shikarpur and Lahore Imambargah blasts and denied links to any terrorism related activity.
Maulana Ata-ul Momin Bokhari told media that the clergy has decided to approach all religious forces regardless of their sectarian affiliation.
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The call for unity came amid Pakistan government’s implementation of National Action Plan against terrorism which calls for blocking financial help for terrorists and repatriating Afghan refugees among other goals.
As a part of the implementation effort, a ban has recently been imposed on admission of foreign students in religious seminaries across Pakistan.
Yesterday, a top Deobandi seminary board meeting condemned the ban and urged government to lift it as soon as possible.