Amid rising political tensions following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s call for a “do-or-die” protest, prominent religious scholars from various schools of thought have united to appeal for restraint and sensible action from the country’s political leaders. They cautioned that the ongoing politics of sit-ins and demonstrations is causing significant harm to the nation.
The call for peace emerged during a meeting of the Kul Masalik Ulema Board in Lahore, chaired by Maulana Asim Makhdoom. The gathering included prominent figures like Agha Saghir Abbas Virk, Allama Muhammad Badr, Qari Khalid Mahmood, and Allama Mohsin Golrawi.
The scholars emphasized the importance of dialogue, pointing out that if PTI leaders could engage with their former adversary, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, they should also be able to engage in discussions with the current government to resolve disputes.
Highlighting the ongoing violence in District Kurram, the ulema expressed deep concern over the neglect of critical issues like the recent killings in Parachinar, noting that political actors seemed more focused on safeguarding their agendas rather than addressing the crisis.
Meanwhile, a PTI convoy led by Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, has departed from Peshawar for Islamabad. The government has responded to the protests by blocking key routes to the capital with containers and barricades.
PTI leaders claim that authorities have arrested 490 party workers and leaders across Punjab, with an additional 100 reported missing. Despite these challenges, the party continues its march toward Islamabad, further escalating political tensions.
