JI condemns the killing of innocent citizens: Farid Paracha

Lahore: Jamaat e Islami Spokesman Dr Farid Ahmed Piracha, has said that certain elements were trying to mislead the masses by presenting the statement of JI Ameer, Syed Munawar Hasan, about the Taliban in a wrong colour.

He said that the Jamaat e Islami and Syed Munawar Hasan had always condemned the killing of innocent citizens and the military personnel in strongest terms.   He said those criticizing the JI and Syed Munawar Hasan did not want any attempt for peace to succeed as continuation of war and anarchy served their interests. These elements were trying hard to sabotage the government- Taliban talks.

He said it was not the JI alone but all the political and religious parties attending the APC who had opted for dialogue with the Taliban in stead of confrontation and those opposing the talks were in conflict with the agreed national agenda.

The spokesman said that Islam preached hatred for crime and not criminals. He said the Taliban were Muslims and Pakistani citizens. The nationality or religion of an individual did not change if he committed any crime. He said that the nation could neither dissociate itself from the criminals nor absolve itself by distancing from them. However, he said that the groups working for India and the US in the name of Taliban must be exposed, and the armed forces and the Taliban both should join hands to wipe them out.

The spokesman said that Syed Munawar Hasan had underlined the need for dialogue in order to free the nation and the country from the curse of terrorism and the government had demonstrated prudence by opting for dialogue due to which there was great hope of the end of terrorism and restoration of peace.