Joint Statement by Leaders of Various Religions and Sects in Pakistan

Condemnation of Terrorism, Extremism, and Atrocities in India; Solidarity with Australia and Pakistan’s Security Forces
Lahore 16 December (Nazrana Times) Ali Imran Chattha 
 

Leaders of various religions, sects, and schools of thought in Pakistan convened a joint meeting in Lahore to express their condolences on the occasion of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar anniversary, paying tribute to the innocent children and reaffirming their full cooperation with the State of Pakistan in combating extremism, terrorism, and sectarian violence. During the meeting, held under the chairmanship of Chairman Pakistan Ulama Council, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi at Jamia Munir-ul-Islamia, Lahore, participants included Father James Channan, Dr. Majid Abel, Javaid William, Sardar Gian Singh, Maulana Asim Makhdoom, Maulana Asadullah Farooq, Maulana Aslam Siddiqi, Pir Khalil Ahmad, Dr. Badar Saifi, Allama Tahir Al-Hassan, Hafiz Maqbool Ahmad, Maulana Muhammad Ashfaq Patafi, Mufti Umar Farooq, Qari Abdul Hakim Athar, Maulana Mubashir Rahimi, Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim Hanafi, Hafiz Ehtesham ul Haq, Sufi Islamuddin Usmani, Qari Faisal Amin, and other prominent religious and community leaders.
In a press conference following the meeting, leaders of all faiths paid tribute to the martyrs of APS and reaffirmed their unwavering support to the State of Pakistan, Pakistan Armed Forces, and security agencies in the fight against terrorism and extremism. They emphasized unity in safeguarding the country’s security, defense, and stability. The joint declaration strongly condemned India as a center of global terrorism, highlighting its ongoing acts of terrorism abroad as well as systematic atrocities against minorities within India. The recent incident in Bihar, where a Muslim girl was forcibly stripped of her hijab and humiliated by the state, was cited as evidence of India’s state-sponsored oppression under the Hindutva ideology. Leaders noted that Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, lower-caste Hindus, and dissenters in India are being targeted with violence, cruelty, and terror.
The leaders urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), United Nations, and global human rights organizations to take immediate action against these ongoing atrocities. They highlighted that acts of terrorism in Australia are also linked to Indian extremist networks, emphasizing the global threat posed by such ideologies. While strongly condemning these acts, the leaders reiterated that all religions teach peace, tolerance, and love, and Islam promotes moderation, security, and harmony. They expressed full solidarity with Australia, condemning the recent terrorist attacks there, and praised the courage of the young individual, Ahmed, who risked his life to protect innocent civilians.
The declaration concluded by affirming full support for the Pakistan Armed Forces and security agencies in combating terrorism and extremism, and a commitment from all religious communities to work together for peace, tolerance, and national unity. A Day of Condemnation will be observed on Friday, 19 December 2025, against the atrocities in India and terrorist attacks abroad.