Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday urged religious leaders across the world to unite and raise a collective voice for peace and justice amid escalating global tensions, particularly in the West Asia.
Referring to the recent appeal by Pope Leo, Mirwaiz said the Pope’s call for peace was “commendable” and urged religious leaders across the world to unite behind such efforts for global peace and justice.
Addressing the Friday congregational prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia mosque, Mirwaiz said the ongoing turmoil in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine has led to immense suffering, loss of innocent lives and large-scale displacement.
He further stated that “unless the long-standing occupation of Palestinians and the resultant injustices are resolved in accordance with principles of natural justice and international law and which is the root cause of the ongoing crisis, lasting peace in the region will remain elusive.”
Referring to diplomatic initiatives, Mirwaiz said that efforts being made by Pakistan, supported by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, to de-escalate tensions and push for peace are also commendable.
“We pray that these sincere efforts bear fruit, as the entire world looks towards them with hope to restore peace and stability,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, Mirwaiz said that at a time of global crisis, the annual journey to Kaaba in Mecca Saudi Arabia, must also serve as a collective prayer for peace and justice, reflecting the moral conscience of the Ummah.
