ISLAMABAD: A group of leading religious scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan decided to set up a coordination council during an online interaction arranged by a Makkah-based organization on Thursday, said a senior advisor to the Pakistani prime minister while talking to Arab News.
The conference was held by the World Muslim League to focus on peace in Afghanistan and brought together several high-profile speakers from the two countries to discuss tolerance, moderation and reconciliation in Islam.
“The event went very well, and discussions were logical and fruitful,” Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and the Middle East Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi told Arab News. “It ended with a resolve to work together for peace and stability in Afghanistan and decided to form a Pak-Afghan ulema council for coordination.”
Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Noorul Haq Qadri, who participated in the event from Makkah, praised Saudi efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
“Much like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has always been committed to the cause of peace in Afghanistan,” he said. “The two countries [Pakistan and Saudi Arabia] have joined hands with each and everyone, especially with the Afghan people, to reach that objective.”
Apart from Qadri, the opening session of the conference was also attended by the secretary general of the World Muslim League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, and Afghan minister for Hajj, endowments and guidance, Sheikh Muhammad Qasim Halimi.
Senior religious scholars, diplomats and other officials of the two countries also participated in the gathering.
Ashrafi expressed gratitude to the World Muslim League for taking the initiative of bringing together Pakistani and Afghan religious scholars.
“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi scholars and leaders, Prime Minister Imran Khan and our [Pakistani] political, military and religious leadership are all working hard for peace in Afghanistan and our efforts will continue,” he said.
Ashrafi maintained that all stakeholders would have to cooperate and make serious efforts to bring about peace in the region.
“Just as we want that Afghan stability should not be undermined by any external force or group,” he continued, “no one should be allowed to derail Pakistan’s peace and stability as well.”