Report by Syed Farzand Ali
LAHORE: National Paigham e Aman Committee Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Harmony and National Unity, Pledges Protection of All Places of Worship has declared that no individual or organization will be allowed to occupy or interfere with places of worship belonging to any religion or sect, warning that anyone attempting to incite violence or sectarian unrest will face legal action.
The announcement was made at the conclusion of a two-day meeting of the National Paigham e Aman Committee, followed by a joint press conference addressed by Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Coordinator of the National Paigham e Aman Committee and Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, alongside Punjab Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora.
The event was attended by prominent Islamic scholars, Christian clergy, Hindu community representatives and religious leaders from various schools of thought, highlighting the committee’s emphasis on interfaith and inter-sect cooperation.
Peace During Muharram Praised
Ashrafi praised Pakistan’s armed forces, the federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies and religious scholars from all schools of thought for maintaining peace during the month of Muharram.
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He said the committee remains committed to implementing the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to make Pakistan a peaceful and stable country.
According to Ashrafi, provincial chapters of the National Peace Committee have already been established in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Focus on Religious Harmony
The committee announced that it would continue working to strengthen religious tolerance, interfaith dialogue and sectarian harmony while countering extremism and hate speech.
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Ashrafi said complaints received during Muharram were limited and that most were related to content circulated on social media.
He urged media organizations to avoid broadcasting material that could offend religious sentiments or inflame sectarian tensions, while appreciating regulatory action taken against inappropriate content aired by a private television channel.
The committee also welcomed guidance issued by the Council of Islamic Ideology emphasizing respect for all prophets and revealed scriptures.
Preparations for Rabi-ul-Awwal
Ashrafi announced that the upcoming Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awwal would be observed nationwide as the “Message of Mercy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” with activities promoting peace, compassion and national unity.
He stressed that maintaining peace remains a collective responsibility and that anyone attempting to spread disorder, regardless of religious affiliation or political background, would be dealt with under the law.
Punjab Government Reaffirms Support
Punjab Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said the provincial government would continue working closely with the National Peace Committee to maintain law and order.
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He noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally monitored security arrangements during Muharram and said authorities were continuing efforts under the National Action Plan to combat extremism.
According to Rafique, law enforcement agencies are monitoring social media platforms and taking legal action against individuals involved in spreading hate speech or inflammatory content.
He added that comprehensive security and coordination plans are already being prepared to ensure peaceful observance of Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Minority Rights Highlighted
Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora said Pakistan remains committed to protecting minority communities and restoring places of worship belonging to different religions.
He stated that Sikh pilgrims often arrive in Pakistan with concerns created by negative narratives abroad but leave with positive impressions after experiencing the country’s hospitality and religious freedom.
He also confirmed that government authorities are working on the restoration and preservation of religious sites belonging to minority communities.
Religious Leaders Call for Unity
Representatives from various religious institutions also addressed the gathering.
Engineer Mufti Usman Yusuf of Jamia Tur Rasheed Karachi described Pakistan as a land of peace and called efforts to promote national stability and development a religious responsibility.
Christian leader Bishop Kamran emphasized that people of different faiths continue to live together peacefully in Pakistan and called for stronger interfaith cooperation.
Other speakers urged citizens to reject misinformation, sectarian propaganda and hate campaigns circulating on social media.
National Unity Reaffirmed
The press conference concluded with members of the National Peace Committee joining hands to symbolize national unity and renewing their commitment to promoting peace, religious harmony and social cohesion throughout Pakistan.
Participants also reaffirmed their resolve to continue working collectively for national stability and interfaith understanding.
