Kandahar clerics seek role in peace parleys

KANDAHAR CITY (PAN): Religious scholars, demanding a key role in peace negotiations, on Saturday asked the government to protect religious figures from intelligence agencies of neighbouring countries.

A large number of scholars gathered in Kandahar City, the provincial capital, under the aegis of their union and asked the government to allow them to play an important role in peace building.

The union head, Maulvi Tor Jan, told Pajhwok Afghan News the gathering was aimed at discussing the ongoing reconciliation campaign in the country.

He claimed religious scholars having the ability to convince disgruntled elements and Taliban leaders into peace talks, should be given vast representation in the process.

Jan urged prayer leaders, tribal elders and scholars to make concerted efforts to make the peace drive a success in their respective areas.

Another member of the union, Maulvi Khwaja Mohammad, said Afghan scholars based in neighbouring countries were being encouraged against their homeland.

He also asked the government in Kabul to protect Afghan scholars abroad from the influence of foreign intelligence networks.

“We ask regional governments, religious scholars and the world to protect our brothers abroad from being instigated against their country,” he remarked.

Mohammad voiced his deep concern over the assassinations of some religious scholars and the killing of some Taliban leaders in Pakistan under mysterious circumstances.

Scholar Maulvi Abdulbari asked the government to recruit honest and patriotic people into its departments. “Such a policy can help bridge the increasing gap between the people and the government, and can ultimately lead to achieving peace.”

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