Memon seeks ulema role in fight against terrorism
By Khalid Amin

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Nisar A. Memon Saturday urged the ulema and scholars to guide the nation in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
While talking to a delegation of ulema from Tehreek Akhuwat-Islami, the Minister asked the ulema to come forward and form ulema panels at all the four provincial headquarters comprising scholars from all the sects and schools of thought to guide and sensitize the masses about the true teachings of Islam. The Minister said the nation was passing through a critical phase and the terror threat has strengthened the resolve of the people to fight the menace of terrorism. He said the Pakistani people were peace-loving but the external elements were active in the terrorism incidents across the country.
Pakistan is facing the terror threat posed by international terrorists, who are operating in the country by infiltrating our borders, he added.
The Minister sought active role of ulema in educating the masses on Islamic teachings through the print and electronic media so as no elements with negative intentions could mislead the innocent people in the name of religion.
Senator Nisar Memon further asked the ulema to monitor the religious seminaries’ curricula and if they found some mistakes, they should come up with positive and fruitful proposals. He assured the government would consider such proposals.
He said the government sought guidance from the ulema so as true spirit and teachings of Islam could flower in the society. He also asked the scholars to guide the government how to tackle the issue of terrorism and extremism in the country.
Memon said that the armed forces were vigilant against the terror threat and the Kalam district has already been made secure from terrorist elements.
He said the armed forces are ensuring the safety of the civilians.
The delegation, led by eminent scholar Allama Inayat Ali Shakir, assured full cooperation to the government in this regard. Allama Shakir and other ulema said the suicide attacks were against the teachings of Islam and the ulema and scholars would leave no stone unturned in guiding the public against the terrorist designs.