Brelvi religious leaders oppose JUI-F's Azadi March.

Byline: Iqtidar Gilani

LAHORE -- Opposing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)-led Azadi March, religious parties from Barelvi school of thought have blamed the opposition of trying to divert attention from the issues of national importance.

Addressing separate press conferences here on Tuesday, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza and Tehreek Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYR) chief Dr Ashraf Asif Jalali appealed to all democratic forces to stay away from chaotic politics as the country was facing serious internal and external challenges.

Jalali accused the JUI-F chief of following the agenda of the country's enemy, saying the march would actually divert public attention from the genocide of Kashmiri Muslims. Flanked by JUP-Niazi leader Pir Masoom Hussain Naqvi, Pir Jalil Sharaqpuri, Pir Khalid Sultan, Razaul Mustafa Naqshbandi and leaders of 25 parties and groups from Barelvi school of thought, Hamid Raza said the march just before the holy month of Rabiul Awwal was part of the foreign agenda to create instability in the country.

Term it attempt to divert attention from national issues

All leaders made it clear that students of Sunni seminaries would stay away from Azadi March or any such activity that could endanger the national security and unity. They welcomed Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement to remove the reservations of religious seminaries' heads over the government's proposed reforms. They announced to observe countrywide Kashmir Solidarity Day on October 25 and hold Solidarity of Pakistan Convention at the Convention Center Islamabad on Oct 26 to oppose Azadi March and express solidarity with the Kashmiri Muslims. They said that rallies, demonstrations and seminars would be organised across the country. They also read out the names of 25 religious parties on the occasion...