Pakistan PM asks Ulema to Project True image of Islam
By Shoaib Jabbar 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has urged the Ulema to help the government project the true image of Islam in order to counter the growing misperceptions, misrepresentations and confusion being spread against our faith.

The Prime Minister said this while talking to a delegation of distinguished Ulema led by Mr. Saleemullah Khan comprising Maulana Taqi Usmani, Dr. Abdul Razzaq, Qari Muhammad Hanif Jalandhri, Dr. Abdul Khan, Maulana Anwarul Haq, Mr. Saifullah Rabbani, Maulana Naeem, Mufti Muhammad, Qari Saeedur Rahman, Qari Adbul Rashid and Mufti Abdul Hameed, who called on him at the PM's House this morning. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Ijazul Haq also attended the meeting.

The Ulema appreciated the government's fight against terrorism and its efforts to project Islam in its true light. They assured the Prime Minister that they are opposed to extremism and are working against those forces that are exploiting religion for their own ends.

They particularly appreciated the government's principled position that the scourge of terrorism cannot be effectively removed without addressing its root causes. They also appreciated the efforts made by the Prime Minister to project the true image of Islam at the important forums in Davos.

The Prime Minister said that madaaris are playing an important role in providing religious education and the Government is encouraging mainstreaming and broadening of their scope so that the graduating students are equipped with the skills to make their full contribution to the society.

He assured the Ulema to use their influence in helping the youth also acquire contemporary education so that they can be successful in the highly competitive world.

The Prime Minister said the government wants the Pakistani youth to be fully equipped with the religious and worldly education in order to achieve a progressive, enlightened and Islamic Pakistan as envisaged by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, he said.

The Prime Minister said that the government is opposed to terrorism out of conviction as it is against the letter and spirit of Islam and also militates against Pakistan's national interests.

The Prime Minister said that the government believes in resolving all matters in a spirit of conciliation and in an atmosphere of tolerance and brotherhood and expects Ulema not allow the inimical forces to mislead our youth.

He said the government values the guidance and suggestions of the Ulema so that we can mould our society in accord with the abiding principles of our faith.

The Prime Minister said that the government will continue the process of interaction with the Ulema and its doors are always open to them for consultation, dialogue and discussion.●