MULTAN,.June 6th:Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazal-ur-rehman), Jamiat Ulema-i- Pakistan, Jamaat Islami, and other religious parties have strongly reacted on the increase on Hajj expenses by Rs.38,000 describing it unjust and unfair.They demanded of the Government to hold a judicial inquiry into the last Hajj season's malpractices, corruption, fleecing and harassing the pilgrims. and purging the ministry of Hajj and religious affairs of black sheep.Mufti Hidayat-ullah Pasroori, Sahibzada Ahmed Mian, Maulana Iqbal Azhari, Rao Zafar Iqbal have express their deep concerns over increase of Rs. 38,000 in Hajj fares and rejected the Hajj Policy recently announced by the federal minister.They said that poor people arrange money with great difficulties to offer Hajj while the government has increased Hajj fare upto Rs. 38,000.
They also strongly criticized Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi and demanded his resignation
They also strongly criticized Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi and demanded his resignation
MULTAN,May 30th:Progressive Women Association (PWA)of Multan Sunday condemned the barbaric attacks on the worship places of Ahmedis in Lahore and demanded appropriate security for the minorities as whole nation was ashamed of and disturbed due to the act of barbaric violence in Lahore. Sr.Noris Murad said people were killed for just holding different religious beliefs.Condemned the ruthless attacks in which tens of innocent lives were lost, she expressed her concern over the security being provided to minorities in Multan. She said the police deployed at the Qadiani worship places were poorly equipped. "After the two terror attacks in Lahore, don’t we need an affirmative action in the major cities at least," she asked. She demanded that the authorities concerned take adequate measures to protect the minorities in the country.Activists and leaders of minorities in the country have been left fearing for the security of their worship places after Friday’s terrorist attacks on Ahmedis. Representatives of minorities believe that the Punjab government has completely failed in ensuring proper security for these communities, who continue to be persecuted against and attacked by terrorists, as the province’s rulers simple watch.
All Pakistani Minorities Alliance leader Aamer Naveed Jeeva Ex-MPA told that the whole nation had been left in a state of shock and grief after Friday’s attacks, adding that the incident had exposed the fact that minorities were not being fully protected by the government. "The enemies of Pakistan exploit such security lapses and attack minorities without fear of repercussions… the government should realise how important it is to treat all citizens equally," he said, adding that the Sikh community in Pakistan strongly condemned the twin attacks and believed that the terrorists do not represent the ideology of any religion because all faiths teach peace. He said that there were several temples and Churches in Lahore, which the government should provide with proper security to avoid any such incident in future. Minorities’ rights activist Jacqueline Tresslor told that the government should take all proper measures to make people of all religions feel as if they are safe in their houses and worship places. She said the government should have learnt a lesson from the Gojra incident, which exposed the fact that terrorists were becoming more organised and confident with regards to attacking minorities in the country, adding that authorities should have adopted strong measures to ensure the security of the worship places in Garhi Shahu and Model Town.
"The whole nation shares in the grief of those who lost their loved ones in the attacks," she said. Pakistan Hindu Welfare Bandhak President Dr Kishore told that no citizen of Pakistan from a minority felt secure after Friday’s attacks, adding that the government should set up proper police check posts around minorities’ worship places in the country. "Words cannot make up for the lives lost on Friday… people of all faiths are praying that the souls of those who lost their lives may rest in peace. The situation is getting day-by-day and the government cannot afford any more incidents of negligence on its part with regards to the security arrangements for minorities in the country," he said.
All Pakistani Minorities Alliance leader Aamer Naveed Jeeva Ex-MPA told that the whole nation had been left in a state of shock and grief after Friday’s attacks, adding that the incident had exposed the fact that minorities were not being fully protected by the government. "The enemies of Pakistan exploit such security lapses and attack minorities without fear of repercussions… the government should realise how important it is to treat all citizens equally," he said, adding that the Sikh community in Pakistan strongly condemned the twin attacks and believed that the terrorists do not represent the ideology of any religion because all faiths teach peace. He said that there were several temples and Churches in Lahore, which the government should provide with proper security to avoid any such incident in future. Minorities’ rights activist Jacqueline Tresslor told that the government should take all proper measures to make people of all religions feel as if they are safe in their houses and worship places. She said the government should have learnt a lesson from the Gojra incident, which exposed the fact that terrorists were becoming more organised and confident with regards to attacking minorities in the country, adding that authorities should have adopted strong measures to ensure the security of the worship places in Garhi Shahu and Model Town.
"The whole nation shares in the grief of those who lost their loved ones in the attacks," she said. Pakistan Hindu Welfare Bandhak President Dr Kishore told that no citizen of Pakistan from a minority felt secure after Friday’s attacks, adding that the government should set up proper police check posts around minorities’ worship places in the country. "Words cannot make up for the lives lost on Friday… people of all faiths are praying that the souls of those who lost their lives may rest in peace. The situation is getting day-by-day and the government cannot afford any more incidents of negligence on its part with regards to the security arrangements for minorities in the country," he said.
MULTAN, May 29th:Three U.N. human rights experts, including Pakistan's Asma Jahangir, Friday called on the Pakistani Government to take steps to ensure the safety of religious minorities after the attacks on members of the Ahmadiyyah community, noting that early warning signs had not been heeded.
“Members of this religious community have faced continuous threats, discrimination and violent attacks in Pakistan,” the experts said in a joint statement on the attack, which was also condemned by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The attack occurred during Friday prayers, when gunmen armed with grenades attacked two Ahmadi worship places in Lahore. While the police responded to the attacks, the gunmen took control of one worship place and reportedly held hundreds of Ahmadi worshippers hostage.
Noting that Ahmadis have been declared non-Muslims and subjected to a number of undue restrictions and in many instances institutionalized discrimination, the experts said this emboldens opinion makers who wish to fuel hatred and perpetrators of attacks against religious minorities.
“There is a real risk that similar violence might happen again unless advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is adequately addressed,” they stressed, adding that the Government must ensure a prompt and impartial investigation, followed by effective prosecution of all those responsible for the killings.
“The Government must take every step to ensure the security of members of all religious minorities and their places of worship so as to prevent any recurrence of today’s dreadful incident,” they declared, while noting the condemnation by senior Pakistani leaders. This is all the more important since there have been numerous early warning signs which have not been properly heeded, they said.
The independent experts – Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Ms. Jahangir, Independent Expert on minority issues Gay McDougall and Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Philip Alston – report to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council in an independent and unpaid capacity.Ban -ki-moon voiced his condemnation of the attack through his spokesperson, Martin Nesirky, who added that the Secretary-General extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government.
“Members of this religious community have faced continuous threats, discrimination and violent attacks in Pakistan,” the experts said in a joint statement on the attack, which was also condemned by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The attack occurred during Friday prayers, when gunmen armed with grenades attacked two Ahmadi worship places in Lahore. While the police responded to the attacks, the gunmen took control of one worship place and reportedly held hundreds of Ahmadi worshippers hostage.
Noting that Ahmadis have been declared non-Muslims and subjected to a number of undue restrictions and in many instances institutionalized discrimination, the experts said this emboldens opinion makers who wish to fuel hatred and perpetrators of attacks against religious minorities.
“There is a real risk that similar violence might happen again unless advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is adequately addressed,” they stressed, adding that the Government must ensure a prompt and impartial investigation, followed by effective prosecution of all those responsible for the killings.
“The Government must take every step to ensure the security of members of all religious minorities and their places of worship so as to prevent any recurrence of today’s dreadful incident,” they declared, while noting the condemnation by senior Pakistani leaders. This is all the more important since there have been numerous early warning signs which have not been properly heeded, they said.
The independent experts – Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Ms. Jahangir, Independent Expert on minority issues Gay McDougall and Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Philip Alston – report to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council in an independent and unpaid capacity.Ban -ki-moon voiced his condemnation of the attack through his spokesperson, Martin Nesirky, who added that the Secretary-General extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government.
MULTAN, May 29th: At least 96 Qadianis (Ahmedis) who were killed in yesterdays gunfire were laid to rest on Saturday in Chenab Nagar (Rabwah).Qadianis have announced to observe three days mourning on the tragic death of at least 90 people of their community in a gun-and-grenade attack on two worship places in Lahore. All shopping centres, Bazars,and business concerns remained closed on Saturday in Chenab Nagar (Rabwah) a city of 97 percent Qadianis. At least 96 Qadianis were laid to rest amid tight security.DSP Police Rana Muhammad Aslam told," law and order situation in Chenab Nagar is well under control, however everyone is gloomy on the incident,"He said that graves were being prepared in Cghenab Since Friday afternoon.Rabawah was renamed as Chenab Nagar in 1998 by the Government and its population is now 10500 and 97 percent residents are Qadianis. It is one of the beautiful cities of Pakistan.Police was patrolling in the area for the protection of Qadianis.Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer has said Ahmedis had to face gun-and-grenade attacks inside the places of worship in Model Town and Garhi Shahu due to the close relations between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Taliban. In a message on a social networking website, Twitter, Taseer said both banned outfits, the Sipah-e-Sahaba and the Taliban militia were united and Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah was supporting the banned outfits in the province.
He said the extremists were receiving “VIP treatment in the Punjab jails”. Taseer said the provincial government had again failed to punish the extremists, who were still in the jails in Punjab.
He said the extremists were receiving “VIP treatment in the Punjab jails”. Taseer said the provincial government had again failed to punish the extremists, who were still in the jails in Punjab.
MULTAN,May 26th:Protest against blesphemous caricatures continues in Southern Punjab on wednesday Employees of Government offices, NGOs, and clerics organised three rallies in Multan, Bahawalpur and Vehari to condemn the the competition of blasphemous caricatures being carried out on Facebook terming it a great conspiracy against Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).More than 500 faithfuls took part in these rallies to express their anger against desecratin of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Addressing the rally in Multan Khalid Mehmood Sanghera Divisional President of Employees Federation said," we are ready to lay down our lives for the sanctity and respect of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Other speakers also made vociferous speeches and burnt the Danish and USA flag. In Vehari, Traders and Local Civil society organisations organised a rally.Similarly Clerics of different sects staged a rally in Bahawalpur on Wednesday.Clerics demanded permanent ban on all the web links carrying and promoting blasphemous activities.They said that the website had crossed all limits of morality for the sake of cheap publicity and generating revenue.They asked why Muslims across the world were being targeted and said the possibility the Jewish lobby was behind the move could not be ruled out.
MULTAN, April 18th: Five young preachers have died in Multan when their car fell into the Bosan road canal on sunday when they were giving way to a herd of buffalloes coming from opposite direction.Police said that a team of young bearded preachers was going to their destination in two cars as they reached at a curve, some buffalloes appeared from opposite direction.the car driver tried to save his vehicle then fell into the canal.Its window panes and gates were automatically locked .People of the area tried to save them but failed. four died on the spot and another was died on way to hospital. They were residents of Chah Boharwala.They were identified as Muhammad Arif, Shoaib ahmed, Shakil Ahmed, Muhammad Arshad and Muhammad Talha.Their bodies were handed over to their parents
MULTAN, April 5th:A woman killed and another four persons injured when a clash erupted between two groups of christians in Bahawalpur town,some 100 kilometer south of Multan. DPO Bahawalpur Muhammad Azeem Khan Leghari said," Christians were celebrating the easter on Sunday night, All of suddent Javed Masih and Aslam Masih quarrelled each other on petty issue which cause a clash between two groups of christians leaving a woman Bashiran Masih died and four other injured.,"Relatives of Bashiran put her body on the road and blocked the traffic for three hours. However they dispersed on the assurance of the police that culprits would be arrested.Eye witnesses said that baton weilded christians quarrelled each other,resultantly a woman died on the spot and four persons Javed, Saleem,Chaudhry Ditta and Pervaiz Masih injured.They were hospitalised where their condition is stated to be serious. DPO said," we have arrested four persons on murder charge,"
MULTAN,Jan 31st:Ittehad Tanzeemat-e- Madaris Deenia (ITMD)'s spokesman Qari Muhammad Hanif Jhulandari has categorically stated that there was no truth in the news that Ulema have unanimously approved formation of the Madaris Regulatory Authority (MRA) besides declaring registration of foreign students as mandatory in connection with their enrolment in the country’s Madaris.In his statement issued here on Sunday Qari Hanif said ,"We would not accept any proposal or step which may create troubles for religious seminaries in coninuation of academic activities independently. Qari said that second round of talks between the government and the Ittehad-Tanzeemat-e-Madaris (ITMD) could not reach any conclusion nor Ulema had agreed on the formation of the MRA .Howeve Federal Minister for interior Rehman Malik claimed that th Government and representatives of Ittehad Tanzeemat-e-Madaris had agreed unanimously and the prime minister will give final approval, he added. This authority will function under the federal education ministry, the minister said.Malik said five separate boards would be set up for five schools of thought and a uniform syllabus would be introduced in these boards. Audit of the Madaris would be conducted on a regular basis, he pointed out.Responding to a question, Rehman Malik said no foreign student would be able to seek admission in Pakistani Madaris without registration and if any Madrassa was found involved in terror-related activities, action would be initiated against it. Literature aimed at fanning extremism would not be allowed to be brought into Madaris and stern action would be taken against those found involved in distributing such literature, he warned.He said stern action would be taken against those involved in challenging the writ of the government.
MULTAN, January 21: The three-day rituals of 770th Urs of spiritual Saint Sheikh-ul-Islam Hazrat Bahauddin Zikriya Multani has begun today in Multan on Thursday.The beginning of Urs rituals marked by washing the tomb which were offered by Sajjada Nasheen of Tomb and the foreign minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi.During the first day religious rituals and he also laid "Chaddar" to open the 770th Urs ceremonies the pilgrims invited to ponder and deliberate on the verses of Holy Qura’n while the religious scholars enlightened the religious and spiritual services of Saint Bahauddin Zikriya.The Urs rites will continue latest by January 23. as Sajjada Nasheen of the shrine. The FM addressed the mammoth gathering of Zaireen. First day of the Urs ceremonies concluded with prayers.Hundreds of devotees mostly women attended the Urs ceremony.
FOREIGN MINISTER
MULTAN,Jan 21st:Foreign Minister Mukhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said ," We are not extremists and we have recorderd our protest on the new screening policy of United States however we did not receive any response from Washington,"Addressing a seminar on Teachings of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani in Bahauddin Zakariya University Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday there is urgent need to present true image of Islam and Pakistan in the world.The foreign minister said some elements were trying to link Islam to terrorism.Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and brotherhood he said and added “we have to defeat their agenda by projecting teachings of mystics”.He said our history is replete with examples of tolerance. He said we are part of world and the world is our need. The world is paying greater attention to issues like extremism and terrorism. The world wanted to understand the reason behind extremism.
He said there is difference between cultural values in different societies and it is most essential to understand and respect each other’s culture and traditions. He said he had protested against screening policy in America but Richard Hallbrook argued that they took these measures in line with their protection.
In Afghanistan , US and Nato took different steps for their protection and some steps were contrary to Afghan culture and this cultural sensitivity caused quarrels and deaths. He said we have to reduce this gap otherwise this growing gap will cause harm.
He said a debate emerging amongst masses in different countries whether Minarets should be built or not, scarf should be used or not and that arguments were being issued from both sides.
About publication of blasphemous images in Norway and Denmark, he said many ambassadors and diplomats from Muslim countries have discussed the issue with me and we have lodged strong protest. The represenatatives of those countries say that there is freedom of expression and they cannot do anything. The Foreign Minister said now there is discussion in these countries as to what extent there should be freedom of expression. He said the freedom of expression does not meant to hurt other’s sentiments. He advocated that inter-faith dialogue is also vital to understand others point of view and make them understand our faith.He said we are moderate not extremists and we have to protect country’s interest.
Foreign Minister disclosed that he would participate in the meeting of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries to be held in March in Manila along with a group of Ulema from the country. He hoped that the Ulema would assist him in articulating true image of Islam to others.He said the world wanted to acquire knowledge about our Madarassa system adding that our madarassas are the best NGOs offering education, lodging and feeding facilities to students.
He said our education system was not properly heeded in past and added that more funds would be allocated for the promotion of quality education. He said education was vital in character building and promoting democratic norms in the country.
The FM disclosed that a task force would be set up soon to bring revolutionary changes in the education sector and renowned reformist and educationist from Great Britain Michael Barber would provide training to teachers and monitor the issues related to education. He hoped that Michael Barber’s services would be helpful in securing success. He said investment in education is the best way to defeat extremism and terrorism.
He said the whole world was talking about deliverance of human rights and the same message was propagated by mystics in their teachings. He said success in Swat operation was the result of national integration on the issue and consensus on National Finance Commission (NFC) was also a good example of national cohesion.
He said Balochistan package would also help in removing sense of deprivation among the people of province.
He urged the BZU students to put their energies towards education as it was high time to exploit talent.Foreign Minister
here on Wednesday announced Rs 500,000 for the newly set up Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya’s chair here at Bahauddin Zakariya Univarsity.The chair was introduced under the patronage of Prof Abdur Rahim in order to arrange Encyclopedia about Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya and to promote saint’s teachings.
The FM also lauded the performance of Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Ullah for taking revolutionary steps in the varsity and also urged him to ensure the best education supporting environment for students.
He also disclosed that many projects for Bahauddin Zakariya Univarsity were in pipeline and the work on it would begin very soon.
He assured that there would be no shortage of funding for the univarsity.
MULTAN,Jan 21st:Foreign Minister Mukhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said ," We are not extremists and we have recorderd our protest on the new screening policy of United States however we did not receive any response from Washington,"Addressing a seminar on Teachings of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani in Bahauddin Zakariya University Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday there is urgent need to present true image of Islam and Pakistan in the world.The foreign minister said some elements were trying to link Islam to terrorism.Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and brotherhood he said and added “we have to defeat their agenda by projecting teachings of mystics”.He said our history is replete with examples of tolerance. He said we are part of world and the world is our need. The world is paying greater attention to issues like extremism and terrorism. The world wanted to understand the reason behind extremism.
He said there is difference between cultural values in different societies and it is most essential to understand and respect each other’s culture and traditions. He said he had protested against screening policy in America but Richard Hallbrook argued that they took these measures in line with their protection.
In Afghanistan , US and Nato took different steps for their protection and some steps were contrary to Afghan culture and this cultural sensitivity caused quarrels and deaths. He said we have to reduce this gap otherwise this growing gap will cause harm.
He said a debate emerging amongst masses in different countries whether Minarets should be built or not, scarf should be used or not and that arguments were being issued from both sides.
About publication of blasphemous images in Norway and Denmark, he said many ambassadors and diplomats from Muslim countries have discussed the issue with me and we have lodged strong protest. The represenatatives of those countries say that there is freedom of expression and they cannot do anything. The Foreign Minister said now there is discussion in these countries as to what extent there should be freedom of expression. He said the freedom of expression does not meant to hurt other’s sentiments. He advocated that inter-faith dialogue is also vital to understand others point of view and make them understand our faith.He said we are moderate not extremists and we have to protect country’s interest.
Foreign Minister disclosed that he would participate in the meeting of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries to be held in March in Manila along with a group of Ulema from the country. He hoped that the Ulema would assist him in articulating true image of Islam to others.He said the world wanted to acquire knowledge about our Madarassa system adding that our madarassas are the best NGOs offering education, lodging and feeding facilities to students.
He said our education system was not properly heeded in past and added that more funds would be allocated for the promotion of quality education. He said education was vital in character building and promoting democratic norms in the country.
The FM disclosed that a task force would be set up soon to bring revolutionary changes in the education sector and renowned reformist and educationist from Great Britain Michael Barber would provide training to teachers and monitor the issues related to education. He hoped that Michael Barber’s services would be helpful in securing success. He said investment in education is the best way to defeat extremism and terrorism.
He said the whole world was talking about deliverance of human rights and the same message was propagated by mystics in their teachings. He said success in Swat operation was the result of national integration on the issue and consensus on National Finance Commission (NFC) was also a good example of national cohesion.
He said Balochistan package would also help in removing sense of deprivation among the people of province.
He urged the BZU students to put their energies towards education as it was high time to exploit talent.Foreign Minister
here on Wednesday announced Rs 500,000 for the newly set up Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya’s chair here at Bahauddin Zakariya Univarsity.The chair was introduced under the patronage of Prof Abdur Rahim in order to arrange Encyclopedia about Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya and to promote saint’s teachings.
The FM also lauded the performance of Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Ullah for taking revolutionary steps in the varsity and also urged him to ensure the best education supporting environment for students.
He also disclosed that many projects for Bahauddin Zakariya Univarsity were in pipeline and the work on it would begin very soon.
He assured that there would be no shortage of funding for the univarsity.
MULTAN,Jan 20th:" We are supporters of Taliban and we oppose the war against terror in Pakistan " said Maulana SAmi-ul-Haq Chief of his faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam while addressing a press conference here today He asked whether Richard Hallbrooke is a viceroy of Pakistan who reprimands the politicians and rulers. He asked under which capacity Hallbrook and other amercians were wandering in Pakistan freely.He strongly condemned the controversial statements of Hallbrooke describing them an attack on Pakistan's sovereignty.Sami-ul-Haq said ,"we are fighting the war of aliens which may lead to anarchy and infighting,"He called upon the people to stand against the americans and tell the world that they are not with America," Maulana has said that the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and Charter of Democracy (CoD) are non issues in the prevailing situation of the country.He said that the terrorism and foreign interference in the Pakistan’s internal matters are the main issues faced by the country.He was of the view that the national sovereignty and security was at the stake due to the policies of the rulers as they were following the American agenda and securing the interests of foreign powers keeping aside the national concerns.Time has come that every countryman especially the religious and political parties should come forward to play their due role for securing the national integrity, solidarity and sovereignty, he said.