Council of Islamic Ideology will be given constitutional cover:

S.A Haidri
MUZAFFARABAD:(Parliament times) Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Raja Farooq Haider Khan has said that Council of Islamic Ideology will be given constitutional cover in AJK. Prime Minister expressed his views on the inauguration ceremony of “Jammu and Kashmir Milli Rabta Council” here on Saturday. Chief Justice Supreme Court Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Chairman Islamic ideology Council Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Zia and Chairman Ullema and Mushaiq (Religious Scholars) Council Maulana Obaidullah Farooqui also addressed the ceremony.
Prime Minister on the occasion stated, “Legislation on Finality of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.W will be made in accordance with the resolution approved by the legislative assembly in Azad Kashmir; similarly, religious communities should also give their suggestions. Incumbent government wants to make a system in which deserving and poor could be entitled.”
Terming Zakaat as religious responsibility, Prime Minister said that Zakaat is a pious duty and there is a verdict of the Supreme Court regarding Zakat payment. Furthermore, Zakaat distribution system has been improved.
He reiterated that there should be a code of conduct for the scholars, all schools of thought should determine the same time for AZAAN with mutual consultation, Prime Minister said adding that the government has taken measures to raise the quality of religious madrassas (schools) so that students studying in these madrassas do not feel incompetent and they can contest with contemporary requirements.
“There is a national responsibility for scholars, religious clerics and members of Islamic ideological Council to guide the nation to the right path and bring them towards religion.” Prime Minister maintained.
Prime Minister uttered the addressees about improvement made by government of AJK for merit and justice system within the state, he stated, “Public service commission comprising neutral and unbiased members for Merit’s sovereignty has been established and the recruitment of the teachers in the Department of Education are being done through the NTS; Shariah appellate Court has been constituted in which a scholar judge would be included in the bench for the immediate provision of justice besides permanent deployment of judges in high court.”
Prime Minister Azad Kashmir appealed the scholars that they should play their role in promoting religious harmony and guide the government in this regard. “The current situation of peace and security within the region is extremely ideal and it is the result of the ideal and historical role of scholars and religious clerics.” Prime Minister added.
Islamic Ideology Council Azad Jammu and Kashmir officially established “Jammu and Kashmir Milli Rabta Council” in AJK by organizing an inauguration ceremony here on Saturday. Chief Justice Azad Jammu and Kashmir Supreme Court (CJSC)/Chairman Islamic Ideology Council AJK Justice Ch. Muhammad Ibrahim Zia administered the oath of district and central bodies of the said council.
Religious clerics from all schools of thought have been included in ‘Milli Council’. The purpose of establishing the Milli Rabta Council is to promote religious and mutual unity with consensus in Azad Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, CJSC said that under the passion, the Jammu and Kashmir Milli Rabta Council has been formed, it is necessary to avoid differences and shun negative propaganda, “there are two main classes in our society, the political leadership and the religious scholars, because the path of the rest of society goes with their thoughts and actions; unity between these two can change the map of society in a few years” Chief Justice exhorted.
CJSC lamented that unfortunately, the nation of Islam is divided into personal interests, “we are still fighting against open and tied hand prayers and our enemies are cutting our hands” he said.
He said that Prime Minister and his team expressed interest in establishing the council with sincerity, good faith and spirit is admirable. “It is hoped that the Prime Minister will continue to patronize and cooperate in making the Council active and vibrant. If necessary, the government should also provide necessary resources” CJSC opined.
Ibrahim Zia reiterated that that it is certainly needed to reduce the gaps between masses and ruling classes including religious clerics and approach each other and work closely to build a cohesive society.