LAHORE: Chairman of the All Pakistan Ulema Council, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, has condemned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi’s recent statement.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Ashrafi criticised the Chief Minister for deviating from his responsibilities by blaming the Pakistan Army in relation to mosques and for attempting to undermine national institutions and the country’s image.
Maulana Tahir Ashrafi described the Chief Minister’s comment that “the army ties dogs in the mosques of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” as deeply regrettable and irresponsible. He emphasised that the Pakistan Army is built on the principles of faith, piety, and jihad in the way of Allah, and it is currently engaged in a lengthy and successful battle against terrorism in the country.
He noted that the army, which has seen its soldiers and officers sacrifice their lives at the hands of terrorists in mosques, Imambargahs, and police lines, has never been accused of such behaviour, even by enemy nations. He urged the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to act with the level of responsibility that his position requires.
Maulana Ashrafi further stated that mosques and madrasas in Pakistan will always remain safe as the army stands as their protector. He pointed out that statements like these only serve to benefit the enemy, rather than the nation or its politicians.
He highlighted that seventy per cent of terrorist incidents in Pakistan occur on Fridays in mosques, Imambargahs, and parks. He lamented that some political leaders seem to forget these sacrifices and instead make irresponsible statements. He concluded by stressing that hatred should not reach a level that damages the reputation of one’s own army and country.
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