CHARSADDA: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday termed the martyrdom of Shaheed Shaikh-ul-Hadis Maulana Muhammad Idrees a great tragedy for the Muslim Ummah.
The prominent religious scholar embraced martyrdom in a targeted shooting by unidentified motorcyclists in the Uthmanzai area a day before. Speaking during a visit to the bereaved family at the martyr’s residence in the Turangzai area, he said Maulana Idrees had dedicated his life to promoting peace but ultimately fell victim to violence himself.
“It is a tragedy that a proponent of peace was targeted with such brutality,” he remarked and urged state institutions to immediately arrest the perpetrators and ensure justice. Talking to the media on the occasion, the JUIF chief called on the government and institutions to fulfill their responsibilities instead of merely drawing salaries.
He announced that protest demonstrations would be held across the country after Friday prayers against the killing, while the future course of action would be unveiled at a gathering in Karachi.
The Maulana emphasized that religious scholars have always offered sacrifices for Islam and the country, noting that many ulema have been martyred from Karachi to Bajaur. He reiterated that they do not believe in shedding the blood of any Muslim, adding that while the difference of opinion is natural, killing someone over differences is an act of ignorance. The JUIF chief stressed a unified stance that taking up arms within Pakistan is unjustified.
Maulana appealed to the public, especially youth, to avoid emotional slogans and instead adopt the path of dignity, tolerance, and love. He said elements involved in spreading unrest in the country are a handful of misguided individuals who are engaged in acts of bloodshed, while religious scholars have consistently stood for peace.
Referring to global conditions, he said Muslims worldwide are facing oppression, making internal unity and peace even more crucial. “We want to make this country a cradle of peace and a centre of Islam,” he said, adding that disputes should be resolved through dialogue.
Meanwhile, former chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Siraj-ul-Haq, also condemned the killing, calling it “an attack on every religious scholar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” that has deepened the sense of insecurity in the province.
Speaking to the media after offering fateha at the deceased’s residence, he said that the killing of Maulana Muhammad Idrees showed that no one is safe in the province. He demanded that both federal and provincial governments explain the facts behind such incidents and identify elements involved, including where such conspiracies are being orchestrated. Siraj-ul-Haq urged the government to expose those responsible for the killing.
Siraj-ul-Haq called on JUIF to unite all religious parties on a single platform to develop a joint strategy for restoring peace. Criticizing the government’s performance, he said the authorities should at least ensure security if they cannot provide education, food, and water.
He said that security institutions have completely failed to protect the public and that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa currently appears neglected, with federal and provincial governments shifting blame onto each other.
The JI leader added that the ongoing rift between the two governments is costing the public dearly, leaving people caught in the middle. He termed the call for a pen-down strike by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister incomprehensible.
