KABUL, a statement from the Presidential Palace said on Wednesday.
Around 700 religious scholars from different parts of the country attended the day two of a two-day conference “Ulema Consultative Conference on Peace” on Tuesday organized by the High Peace Council.
The gathering passed a unanimous resolution having demands from the government and the Taliban.
They asked the Taliban to protect national infrastructure and public welfare projects by renouncing violence and joining the reconciliation process.
They asked the government to show restraint, deal with Taliban carefully and avoid policy statements which could further deteriorate the situation and harm the environment for peace talks.
The ulema also asked the government to accelerate its anti-corruption campaign, keep the military apolitical, address reservations and concern of Ulema and avoid self-styled actions against people.
They asked the international community, particularly the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), to discharge their responsibility towards the Afghanistan reconciliation process besides supporting Afghan security forces.
A statement issued from the Presidential Palace in Kabul quoted the president as saying that peace in the country was the demand of all and everyone should express their desire for peace.
He added the ongoing conflict could be ended permanently through intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban and inter-state dialogue with Pakistan.
Ghani said the international community was close to developing a global consensus about the Afghan peace. “All these efforts are not being done for politics but justice is the target and the holy religion of Islam particularly the period of four-caliphs is our example for justice and harmony.”
The president termed the role of ulema and religious institutions as vital in bringing peace to the country and said: “The demands you have made from the government are acceptable to me and I hope the Taliban will accept the Ulema demands and will prove they have the will to reconcile.”
He asked Ulema to spread the message of peace to every part of the country and strengthen national unity and brotherhood.
Mualvi Abdul Khair Chachkah, Maulvi Abdullah Bahari, Dr. Hikmat and other scholars talked on behalf of the Ulema.
They called for pressure on Pakistan to distance itself from terrorist groups and cooperate for peace and stability in the country.
They demanded creation of seminaries and sending religious students to Islamic countries for experience.
They also called for convening an international Ulema conference on Afghan peace and reconciliation.
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