Interior Minister Rehman Malik has announced to constitute a seven-member interfaith council to create religious tolerance and harmony among different sects and ensure durable peace in the country.
Talking to journalists after meeting a delegation of ulema from different schools of thought, he said the interfaith council had already been constituted in the federal capital while such councils would be formed in the provinces soon. The councils would have representation of ulema from all schools of thought while one of the members would be selected as chairman, he said.
Rehman Malik condemned killing of innocent people at Babu Ser near Gilgit and said such people had no religion. He said there was no clash between Shia and Sunni while a third force was involved in pitting different sects against each other to destabilise and weaken the country. He said the government had the responsibility for protecting the lives and property of the people and all-out efforts would be made for their security.
He said it had been decided to provide security escorts to passenger vehicles, travelling on Karakoram Highway. He said Islamabad police would provide escorts to these vehicles up to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the KP police would take responsibility for their protection.
He urged terrorists to surrender and work for the welfare and progress of the country. The minister said a lot of prepaid sims issued on fake documents were used in terrorist attacks. Around 75 percent terrorist activities were being done through mobile phones. He added all the authorities concerned would be consulted to block such prepaid subscriber identification modules (SIMs) to foil nefarious designs of terrorists.
Such mobile SIMs were also used in extortion activities. “It is being considered to block needless prepaid SIMs in various phases. The final decision, however, will be made with the consultation of all stakeholders and experts,” he maintained.
Commenting on the Kamra Airbase attack, Malik said law-enforcement agencies and the Punjab police were investigating the matter. He said: “At present, information cannot be shared with media as it will hamper the investigation process.”
The minister appreciated the performance of Islamabad police on the occasion of Eid and said they had sacrificed their lives for the better future of the nation.
He thanked ulema for extending cooperation in maintaining law and order in the country, adding law and order situation had improved in Balochistan due to the steps taken by the government.
Rehman Malik pinges hope on Interfaith Council
