Chandigarh: The Ahmadiyya Muslim community has warned that events across the world in recent times were moving towards a third World War.

"The world is passing through very turbulent times. The similarities to the period just before the Second World War continue to be cited and it seems clear that events are moving the world at an unprecedented pace towards a horrific third world war," representatives of the Ahmadiyya community told the media here on Thursday.

Announcing the 124th three-day Jalsa Salana (annual convention) of the community to be held in Qadian town in Punjab's Gurdaspur district from December 26 to 28, representatives of the community said over 30,000 followers from over 30 countries are expected to participate in the convention.

"The government of India has sanctioned over 6,000 visas for the convention," said the representatives -- Maulana Hamid Kausar, K. Tariq Ahmad, Mujahid Ahmad, Ataul Mujeed Lone and Sami-ur-Rahman.

They said the community was making the best efforts for peace across the globe.

"There is an overwhelming sense that things are quickly getting out of control and the people are looking for someone to step on to the stage to offer concrete, solid, guidance in which they can have confidence and that speaks to their heart and mind alike and gives them hope that there is a path that can lead to peace," they said.

The Jalsa Salana Qadian, one of the largest Muslim gatherings in India, aims to promote global peace, harmony, tolerance, brotherhood and mutual respect. The convention will also have a session on world religions.

The community's supreme leader, 'Khalifa of Islam' Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, will deliver his address to the community live from London on December 28.