Religious Leaders Denounce Exploitation, Violence, and Call for Justice in Pakistan
Religious leaders from various faiths have come together to denounce exploitation, violence, and religious intolerance in Pakistan. In a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club, Ambassador at Large for Global Peace and Human Rights, Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui, highlighted the recent Jaranwala incident and called for justice and respect for religious minorities in the country.
During the conference, Imam Siddiqui emphasized the importance of unity and mutual respect, stating that Islam unequivocally condemns all acts of violence and exploitation. He further emphasized that Islamic teachings require followers to honor and respect the beliefs of people from other religions, asserting that non-Muslim citizens have the same rights as their Muslim counterparts in an Islamic state.
Referring to the Jaranwala incident, Imam Siddiqui expressed deep sadness and concern over the violent actions that resulted in the vandalization of churches and displacement of families. He condemned the actions of the radical mob and called for an impartial inquiry to ascertain the facts and bring the culprits to justice. The incident, he noted, aimed to undermine the growing support of Christian clergy for Islam, especially following the Pope’s condemnation of the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden.
Imam Siddiqui stressed that the desecration of the Holy Quran is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. He further emphasized that failure to hold the criminals accountable would only encourage vigilantism and put a strain on law enforcement agencies. The insulting of places of worship, he asserted, is a serious offense that raises questions about the performance of the authorities.
The press conference concluded with a unified call for justice and protection of religious minorities in Pakistan. The religious leaders urged collective efforts to foster interfaith harmony and combat hatred disguised as religion. They emphasized that respecting diversity and upholding the rights of all citizens are fundamental to achieving lasting peace and harmony in the country.
In a time where religious tensions and acts of violence are unfortunately prevalent, the unity displayed by these religious leaders sends a strong message of hope and tolerance. Their denouncement of exploitation and violence, along with the call for justice and respect for minorities, is a positive step towards a more inclusive and harmonious society in Pakistan. It is crucial for authorities to take swift action and ensure that those responsible for such incidents are held accountable. By doing so, we can foster an environment of mutual understanding and respect, paving the way for a peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.
