MAKKAH: Senior Islamic scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan have signed the historic “Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan,” paving the way to resolve the long-standing crisis in the war-hit Asian country.
The historic signing in Makkah was attended by Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Dr Noor Al-Haq Qadri and Sheikh Mohammed Qasim Halimi, Afghanistan’s minister of Hajj, endowments and guidance Sheikh Muhammad Qasim Qasim Halimi.
The peace declaration was signed during a conference hosted by the Muslim World League (MWL) in the holy city of Makkah in the presence of the Secretary-General of the MWL Sheikh Dr Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa.
The peace declaration supports negotiations among the warring factions and rejects acts of violence and extremism in all their forms and manifestations. The declaration seeks to address all political, social, economic and other issues through the spirit of joint action in order to stop the bloodshed.
The declaration also emphasized that violence is not linked to any religion, nationality, civilization or race, adding that violence resulting from extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including violence against civilians and suicide attacks is contrary to the basic principles of the Islamic faith.
The scholars of Pakistan and Afghanistan extended thanks and appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for Saudi Arabia’s firm and historic stance in support of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The scholars also underlined the importance of the Kingdom in building solidarity and harmony in the Islamic world, stressing their aspiration for its continuous support to maintain the momentum generated by this declaration among scholars in the Islamic world in general, and among scholars in Pakistan and Afghanistan in particular.
Speaking on the occasion, Noorul Haq Qadir said that bringing peace and tranquility and promoting tolerance in society is one of the main goals of the right religion. “Our religion teaches us harmony and unity and supports international cooperation and participation in all charitable works,”
“Islam speaks of protecting the homeland, encourages development and prosperity, and commands the promotion of peace and the avoidance of riots,” he added.
“The two countries have supported every step taken to bring security and peace to the entire region, especially in Afghanistan and worldwide, and I hope that the two brotherly countries will continue to play a dynamic and effective role in peace,” he concluded.
The conference included five sessions, during which more than 20 senior scholars spoke about peace, tolerance, moderation and reconciliation in Islam.
