The quiet halls of Quetta's Jamia Salafia Dawat-ul-Haq recently echoed with a unified call for peace as religious scholars, spiritual leaders, and interfaith representatives gathered to draw a firm line against violence. According to the Express Tribune, the participants unanimously reaffirmed the religious ruling, or fatwa, declaring suicide attacks and the killing of innocent people to be strictly forbidden in Islam.
According to the Express Tribune, the joint meeting was organised by the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC)—also known as the Qaumi Paigham-e-Aman Committee—alongside the Balochistan Paigham-e-Aman Committee. During the gathering, attendees fully endorsed the national narrative of Paigham-e-Pakistan.
The declaration stated that terrorism runs contrary to the fundamental teachings of Islam and other religions. It asserted that no individual, group, or organisation holds the right to engage in bloodshed, conduct armed actions against the state, or take the law into its own hands under the guise of religion, sect, or ideology, the Express Tribune reported.
Participants strongly condemned the exploitation of women, children, young people, and students for terrorism and suicide attacks, describing these acts as religiously forbidden, morally reprehensible, and serious crimes against humanity. According to the Express Tribune, the declaration warned that those who mislead the younger generation to turn them into instruments of terrorism are enemies of human life and of Pakistan's future.
The gathering also expressed full support for the efforts of the Pakistan Army and national security institutions against groups referred to in the declaration as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. The Express Tribune reported that the federal government officially designated terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan last year, accusing India of sponsoring a proxy war through them, while Fitna al-Khawarij is the state-designated term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Participants stated that the nation stands alongside the armed forces in eliminating terrorism and safeguarding national security.
Background
According to the Express Tribune, protecting the country's security, stability, and the lives and property of its people was described during the meeting as a shared national responsibility. Emphasising the importance of peace in Balochistan, attendees resolved to stand united against terrorism, extremism, and sectarian violence, stressing that no one should be allowed to undermine peace under the guise of religion or sect.
The meeting additionally pledged continued joint efforts to promote inter-sectarian and interfaith harmony, religious tolerance, national unity, and peace in the province. Participants committed to addressing issues faced by mosques and religious seminaries while strengthening cooperation with the government and relevant institutions.
Why it matters
For ordinary readers in Pakistan, the declaration highlights a collective societal and religious pushback against extremist ideologies. By calling for a coordinated effort among scholars, faith leaders, parents, teachers, and prominent social figures, the meeting emphasised the shared responsibility of shielding young people from hate speech and the influence of terrorist organisations.
The gathering concluded with a renewed pledge to protect mosques, religious institutions, and communities through dialogue, cooperation, and a unified front against violence.