GHAZNI - Exchanging perspectives on peace and how it can be achieved for the benefit of the country’s development was the focus of a forum that brought together a diverse range of religious scholars and officials from around the southeastern province of Ghazni.  

Provincial Governor, Mohammad Aman Hamim, joined more than 70 people at the UN-supported event, including religious scholars, representatives of the provincial council, religious affairs office and provincial peace committee, along with the media and UNAMA staff.

The forum provided an opportunity for religious scholars and officials to share views on the peace process, to identify local challenges to peace initiatives and strengthen connections between participants. It is widely acknowledged that the ongoing insecurity is badly affecting people’s access to basic rights, such as education and health, and also impedes the country’s development.   

Ghazni province -- an important gateway route to southern Afghanistan – is home to a leading religious school, Nur-ul-Madaris, which has produced hundreds of religious scholars, who have influential positions in their communities. The province is also affected by security issues, with militants active in various districts.

Mr. Hamim said the gathering was significant because it brought together such a large number of religious scholars at the provincial level who expressed their support to the peace process.

The Governor asked scholars to advise provincial officials their views on why some local people joined the Taliban, particularly in rural areas. This would help the provincial administration in its work towards peace.

Molvi Mohammad Ismail Rohani, the head of the Ulema Council in Ghazni called on all elements of society to join together to support the peace process.

“Peace is the desire of each and every person in the country, and Islam and the Prophet also requires peace,” he said. 

Participants supported a proposal to hold similar district-level forums in order to provide the opportunity for people in more remote areas of the province to have their voices heard.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.