Asking Muslims to seek development from electoral candidates rather than welfare commisions, noted journalist MJ Akbar has said the community should vote for progress and not out of fear.
"The vote of Muslims should be a vote for progress and not a vote of fear. The day the Muslim community starts asking vote seekers as to what development they have done for them, from that point only will it (Muslim community) start progressing," Akbar said while delivering a lecture on 'Terrorism and Democracy' organised by Barkatullah University here yesterday.
"The day you start asking such questions, you will not need any commission for your welfare," a university release quoted Akbar as saying.
Terming terrorists as "fasadis" (quarrel mongers) and not "jihadis", Akbar said that in the holy Quran there is a definite provision to punish such persons and they should be treated accordingly.
He also said that terrorism will be wiped-off from Pakistan only when democracy gains strength in that country.
The University's Vice-Chancellor Bhupal Singh and other dignitaries were present at the function.