DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Mondaysaid the 26th Constitutional Amendment would play a key role in safeguarding democracy in the country.

Addressing religious scholars and dignitaries at the Jamia Arabia Naumania seminary here, the JUI-F chief expressed concern about the poor law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and said that public life and property were at risk.

He called for solid measures to protect the integrity of the state and its institutions and said the loss of public trust in state institutions was a grave issue.

Mr Fazl advocated for the removal of the interest-based banking system in the country and said his party would continue striving for it.

He insisted that economic benefits of usury’s elimination would lead the country to prosperity.

The JUI-F chief also said that his party was committed to protecting democracy and promoting Islamic teachings in the country.

“We have effectively blocked the path of dictatorship and absolute rule in the country,” he said.

Mr Fazl vowed to continue striving to fulfil constitutional and religious responsibilities. He also praised the services of the seminary for the cause of Islam.

The JUI-F leader visited Islamic scholar Maulana Ashraf Ali and inquiredafterhim. He also went to the house of senior party leader Haji Abdullah Shahjahan,inquired after him, and prayed for his good health.

Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-School Cricket Tournament concluded at Ratta Kulachi Sports Complex here on Monday.

District sports officer Faisal Habib, who was the chief guestduring the colourful ceremony, gave away shields, medals and trophies to captains of the winning and runner-up teams and the best performing players of the tournament.

Teams from various schools of the district participated in the tournament, jointly organised by the district sports office and district administration.

The event not onlyprovided a platform to schoolchildren to showcase their sports skills but also helped discover their untapped talents, according to organisers.

In the final match, GHS No 4 defeated GHSS No 2 by 184 runs, to grab the trophy.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2024