National Ulema and Mashaikh Council Issues 9-Point Declaration to Promote Unity, Peace, and Religious Harmony

ISLAMABAD (Staff Reporter) – A significant meeting of the National Ulema and Mashaikh Council was held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf. The meeting was attended by prominent religious scholars and spiritual leaders from across Pakistan.

The gathering addressed the overall national situation, internal and external threats, rising extremism, terrorism, and the importance of promoting inter-sect harmony and societal reform through Islamic teachings.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a comprehensive 9-point joint declaration was issued, emphasizing national unity, the supremacy of the Constitution and law, and the constructive role of religious leaders in society.

1. Promotion of Islamic Teachings: Scholars committed to highlighting the universal message of Islam to eliminate extremism, terrorism, and hateful ideologies, while fostering unity among the Muslim Ummah.
2. Solidarity in Defense of the Nation: The Council strongly condemned acts of aggression by India and Afghanistan against Pakistan. The participants praised the nation’s leadership, armed forces, and citizens for their resilience and declared full support for the Pakistan Army.
3. Observance of Prayer and Zakat Weeks: Similar to Seerat Week, it was resolved to observe Prayer Week and Zakat Week nationwide to promote the importance of these fundamental pillars of Islam.
4. Avoidance of Sectarian and Hate Speech: Religious speakers were urged to refrain from controversial, inflammatory, or mocking remarks in their sermons. They were reminded to avoid promoting sectarianism or targeting any school of thought or religious figure.
5. Adherence to Law and Order: Scholars will encourage people to uphold the law, remain patient, and avoid provocation or violence. All sensitive religious issues should be handled by authorized state institutions only.
6. Focus on Social Reform: Sermons will include topics such as self-reform, public welfare, ethics, education, health, hygiene, environmental protection, women and children’s rights, and community service.
7. Guidance for the Youth: The Council recognized the growing anxiety among the youth and urged speakers to address their intellectual and spiritual concerns through reasoned discourse and scientific methods, including the responsible use of social media.
8. Respect for State Institutions: Citizens should be guided to respect the authority of the State, Constitution, and law. Any act or speech that incites distrust or hostility against state institutions, judiciary, armed forces, or administration must be strictly avoided.
9. Welcoming Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Cooperation: The Council welcomed the recent defense agreements between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calling it a source of strength for the Muslim Ummah. It reiterated that the sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain is central to the faith of all Muslims.

Distinguished scholars and spiritual leaders present included Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Muhammad Yaseen Zafar, Allama Afzal Hussain Haideri, Pir Chiraguddin Shah, Pir Fayaz-ul-Hassan, Maulana Azizur Rehman, Dr. Raghib Naeemi, Allama Arif Wahidi, Mufti Abu Bakar Mohiuddin, Shah Owais Noorani, Mufti Ferozuddin Hazarvi, Dr. Ahmad Ali Siraj, Allama Ramzan Tauqeer, Maulana Anwar-ul-Haq Haqqani, Allama Syed Hashim Moosavi, Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, and others from all provinces and regions including Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

The Council concluded with a renewed commitment by religious leadership to play a responsible and constructive role in guiding the nation towards peace, harmony, and prosperity.