A strong message of national unity, peace and institutional harmony was delivered at the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Conference titled ‘Maarka-e-Haq, Bunyan-un-Marsoos’ held here on Monday, where speakers reaffirmed collective resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s stability, sovereignty and ideological foundations. 

Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, in his address said that national unity and cohesion were the only way to tackle challenges facing the country, while paying tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He said the entire nation stood united with its armed forces and would foil every conspiracy against the country through collective resolve and awareness. 

The conference was attended by Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Engineer Aamir Khattak, Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa, religious scholars, traders, civil society representatives and members of different faiths. Abdul Khabir Azad said Pakistan was a constitutional state where rule of law, justice and protection of citizens’ rights were fundamental principles. He said terrorism, unrest and anti-state activities had no place in society. 

He stressed the need to promote peace, tolerance and interfaith harmony, calling it a shared responsibility of all segments of society. He said any attempt to spread division and chaos would be countered with unity by the nation, scholars and all stakeholders. Referring to operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, he said it reflected national solidarity and sent a clear message to the world that Pakistanis were committed to safeguarding their sovereignty and dignity. 

He also highlighted the importance of resolving global conflicts through dialogue, saying peace and mutual understanding were the only viable solutions to international disputes. Khabir while presenting tribute to valour armed forces and the military leadership highlighted the courageous role played by Field Marshal Asim Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif in establishing unity and responding to Indian unprovoked attacks in befitting manner. 

He further lauded the initiatives taken by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif for promoting interfaith harmony. Commissioner Engr. Aamir Khattak said all institutions in Rawalpindi Division were working in coordination to maintain law and order, with peace committees and stakeholders playing an active role. Addressing the gathering, Bishop Joseph Arshad said Pakistan was a great country where people of different faiths were working together for peace, harmony and development, appreciating the role of religious leaders in promoting unity. 

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to peace, national unity, rule of law and institutional harmony. Special prayers were offered at the end of the conference for the country’s stability and prosperity. A large number of religious scholars from diverse schools of thought and organizations collectively paid rich tribute to the armed forces for their sacrifices for the cause of defence of Pakistan . 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)