Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) on Sunday demanded of the government to initiate dialogues with the Taliban without any delay. Representatives of 23 religious and political parties participated in "Istehkaam-e-Pakistan Conference" aimed at forging unity among the masses and urging the government to take concrete steps for peace process. Allama Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi was chief guest of the conference.

In a joint declaration, Ulema called for launching dialogues with the Taliban at the earliest. Ulema stressed for extending maximum co-operation among them especially during Muharram.

Provincial Minister for Jail Chaudhary Abdul Waheed said Ulema could play an important role in the dialogue process. He added the incumbent government was taking steps for law and order in the country.

PTI president Mukhdoom Javed Hashmi also spoke on the occasion and emphasised for unity. Local leaders of the PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, Jamiat Ahle Hadis and others were also present.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2013