PESHAWAR: Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, has called on religious scholars across the country to work together for peace, national unity and the protection of Pakistan’s sovereignty, saying the fight against militancy and extremism is a collective national responsibility.
He was addressing the “Paigham-e-Aman Ulema and Mashaikh Conference”, organised by the Peace Committee Pakistan on Wednesday.
The conference was attended by prominent religious scholars from across Pakistan, including Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology Dr Muhammad Raghib Naeemi, Mufti Abdul Rahim, Maulana Tayyab Qureshi and others. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi attended the event as chief guest.
Conference Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
Reading out the conference communiqué, Ashrafi said participants reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, promoting interfaith harmony and working collectively to eliminate militancy, extremism and sectarianism.
He said Islam places the highest value on protecting human life and unequivocally rejects the killing of innocent people.
“We will continue our efforts to promote peace, religious harmony and national unity,” he said.
Tribute Paid to Security Forces
Ashrafi strongly condemned extremism, terrorism and sectarian violence, describing them as serious threats to Pakistan’s unity and national identity.
He paid tribute to the armed forces, police and Rangers for their sacrifices in maintaining peace and expressed solidarity with the families of martyred security personnel.
He also stressed that disrespecting the sacred places or religious personalities of any sect was contrary to Islamic teachings and urged people to respect each other’s beliefs.
Ashrafi said the platform was non-political and solely dedicated to promoting peace, harmony and social cohesion.
Call to Guide the Younger Generation
The Pakistan Ulema Council chairman urged religious scholars to educate young people about the Constitution, the rule of law, patriotism and their responsibilities as citizens.
He said the youth should be guided away from extremism and encouraged to contribute positively to society and national development.
Ashrafi also called for greater public support in addressing internal and external challenges and said efforts were continuing to resolve issues faced by religious seminaries.
Rejecting violence carried out in the name of jihad, he said innocent lives must never be targeted and reaffirmed the need to protect the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
He added that dialogue remained possible with anyone willing to accept the Constitution and the writ of the state, while reiterating opposition to elements working against Pakistan’s sovereignty and solidarity.
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