Senior Islamic scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan signed on Thursday the historic “Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan,” paving the way for a solution to the long-standing Afghan crisis.
A "historic" declaration of peace in #Afghanistan was signed by scholars of #Pakistan and Afghanistan during a conference held in Makkah under the supervision of the @MWLOrg, Saudi Press Agency said in a statement. || #SaudiArabia
–
Photos by @SPAregions
–https://t.co/PQHS96Ib7x pic.twitter.com/7hH1et3wQ4— Arab News Pakistan (@arabnewspk) June 10, 2021
The Declaration supports negotiations between the warring factions and rejects all acts of violence and extremism in all forms and manifestations.
It was signed at the presence of Muslim World League (MWL) Sec-Gen Mohammad al-Issa, at the conclusion of the Islamic Conference in Makkah, under the auspices of Saudi Arabia.
It brought senior scholars of Afghanistan and Pakistan together for the first time to achieve reconciliation for the Afghan people.
The declaration stipulates for a final and comprehensive solution to the Afghan conflict through reconciliation between the warring parties in Afghanistan, by addressing all political, social, economic, and other related issues.
Today the #MWL was proud to host The Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan Conference. HE Dr. #MohammadAlissa believes this conference can be an import step in Afghanistan's move towards peace.#MWLinAfghanistan #PeaceInAfghanistan pic.twitter.com/2Ky2FebFKU
— Muslim World League (@MWLOrg_en) June 11, 2021
It aims to end the ongoing bloodshed in Afghanistan and lead the Afghan people to peace, reconciliation, stability, and progress.
Violence is not linked to any religion, nationality, civilization, or race, read the declaration, stressing that violence resulting from extremism and terrorism in all its forms, including violence against civilians and suicide attacks, is contrary to the principles of Islam.
The scholars extended appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the firm and historical stance towards supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
They also highlighted the Kingdom’s sincere efforts to build bridges and unite ranks, which culminated in bringing the scholars of both sides to a common platform.
Read More: Afghanistan’s tricky endgame: What should Pakistan do?
They stressed the important role of the Kingdom in establishing solidarity and harmony in the Islamic nation, reiterating the importance of its continuous support to preserve this declaration among scholars in the Islamic world in general, and among Pakistani and Afghani scholars in particular.
The recommendations of the conference approved the establishment of a joint body of scholars to advance peace efforts.