RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi, the Quaid-i-Millat-i-Jafariya and the chief of the only representative organization of Shiites in Pakistan i.e. TNFJ, has said that so-called American Father Terry Jones’s announcement to burn the copies of Holy Quran in the backdrop of 9/11 is a declaration of war against international peace and an open challenge to the world religions.

Addressing a religious session on the topic of Hurmat-e-Quran at the headquarters of the Maktab-e-Tashayyo on Thursday, he said that this so-called Father should keep in mind that Quran is the beacon of guidance for the whole humanity and could not be put off by such tactics.

He said Quran was sent on the Khatmi Martabat (SAAW) during Ramazanul Mubarik and Allah Has said: We Have sent this Book containing guidance and We will protect it (Surah Al-Hajr). He said this Book is the beacon of light not only for any particular area or a nation but for the whole humanity.

Agha Moosavi expressed his grave concern that atheist forces were bent upon humiliating the religion of Islam, prophet of Islam (SAAW), heroes of religion and Shariat, and Holy Quran for quite long. He said all Muslims had strongly condemned the 9/11 incident without any discrimination and declared that Islam is against all types of terrorism and considers terrorism as an oppression but the international colonial powers are utilizing all their energy against the Islamic World in the garb of 9/11.

He said on this critical situation, merely issuing a statement against this heinous announcement to set the copies of Holy Quran on fire is not enough that would put the solidarity of American armed forces on stake.

If the American government is sincere in restoring peace and develop better relations with Muslims then it should arrest the said Father immediately and give him exemplary punishment. Otherwise, he added, we would be justified to understand that all this is being done on the behest of America and the American Webmaster leaks prediction would become a reality that America is the country that exports terrorists.

The TNFJ chief said whereas the Islamic World needs to review its relations with America, the Arab League, OIC and the United Nations should come forward to take practical steps to get this indecent act stopped.

He said had the Muslim Ummah checked Rushdie then no one would have the courage to raze Babri Masjid, take over Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and now the announcement of putting the copies of Holy Quran on fire. He called upon the international organisations to fulfill their responsibilities to stop such elements that are out to desecrate Islam, Paighambar-e-Islam (SAAW), Mashaheer-e-Islam, Holy Books, and religions of the world. He said as Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam, therefore, the whole nation should announce its commitment to offer any sacrifice for the sanctity of Quran, Rasool (SAAW) and Mashaheer-e-Islam while the powers that be should raise this issue on international level on priority.

The Quaid-i-Millat-i-Jafariya Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi said that at present country is confronted with one problem or the other including flood ravages and terrorism, therefore the rulers should avoid creating new problems.

He said announcement of the Interior Minister to launch Swat style operation in Balochistan is condemnable and a heinous conspiracy to create more problems for the country and the nation. He called upon the whole nation to raise voice of protest against the so-called American Father’s announcement to set the copies of Holy Quran on fire in Jumatul Mubarik and Eidul Fitr congregations.