LAHORE, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has called for peace, religious harmony and national unity.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security of Makkah and Madinah.
Ashrafi spoke at an interfaith peace conference in Lahore on World Peace Day.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised the conference through its Standing Committee on Interfaith Relations.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and religious leaders from different schools of thought attended the event.
Religious Leaders Have a Key Role
Ashrafi said peace affects the future of all humanity.
He called for practical steps to promote peace in Pakistan.
“If there is peace in the country, development will follow,” Ashrafi said.
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He added that peace can also attract investment.
Ashrafi described religious leadership as a major force for peace.
He said Pakistan includes people from different religions.
Therefore, he stressed the need to protect the rights of all citizens.
Ashrafi also spoke about non-Muslims who supported Pakistan.
He said they also wanted peace and stability.
He referred to Islamic teachings on the protection of non-Muslims.
Pakistan Must Address Its Own Problems
Ashrafi said Pakistanis must solve their own problems.
He called for practical action instead of symbolic gestures.
He said people must examine their own actions.
Ashrafi also said his organisation tries to help people facing difficulties.
He stressed that Pakistan belongs to all its citizens.
“Pakistan belongs to Christians and other communities as much as it belongs to Muslims,” he said.
Ashrafi rejected forced conversion.
He also opposed forced marriage.
He said Islam does not allow people to force others to change their religion.
He added that Islam values quality rather than simply increasing numbers.
Religious Harmony and National Security
Ashrafi said religious harmony has a direct link with national security.
He urged people not to let minor disputes block peace efforts.
He also spoke about militancy and attacks on civilians.
Ashrafi said anyone who kills innocent people commits an act of terrorism.
He said religious leaders can help promote peace across society.
He also noted that non-Muslims have received representation in the National Peace Committee.
Debate Over Blasphemy Laws
Ashrafi also discussed Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
He said people should identify cases where someone misuses these laws.
He challenged critics to present specific cases of alleged misuse.
Ashrafi claimed that the law had helped save hundreds of lives.
He referred to the case of a girl named Rimsha in Islamabad.
According to Ashrafi, people tried to burn her after an accusation.
He said the law helped protect her life.
Ashrafi also claimed that he knew of 25 to 30 similar cases.
However, he said no one should openly insult religion.
Reference to the Kasur Case
Ashrafi also referred to the killing of a Christian couple in Kasur.
He criticised the release of people accused in the case.
He said the case damaged Pakistan’s image.
Ashrafi called the incident a stain on Pakistan, Muslims and Islam.
He also questioned the role of the judge who acquitted the accused.
Ashrafi said religious leaders had agreed not to recommend the accused for any favour.
He urged people to examine their own actions before criticising others.
“We must fix our own house,” he said.
Ashrafi Calls for Peace in Palestine
Ashrafi also spoke about the situation in Palestine.
He said Israeli attacks do not distinguish between religions.
He added that bombs do not ask about a person’s religion before striking.
Ashrafi called for serious global efforts to promote peace.
He said Islam teaches people to offer advice and accept responsibility.
Commitment to Protect Haramain
Ashrafi also issued a message about the security of the Haramain.
He said Pakistan has a commitment to Allah to protect the sanctity of Makkah and Madinah.
He pledged Pakistan’s possible role in protecting their security and stability.
Ashrafi also referred to the defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He said the leadership of both countries remains in regular contact.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will consult each other on necessary security measures, he added.
Ashrafi urged people not to worry about the situation.
Haramain Security Is a Red Line
Ashrafi said India, Israel or any other force opposed to the Muslim world cannot weaken unity through propaganda.
He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world remain committed to unity.
Ashrafi described the sanctity and security of the Haramain as a red line.
He said Pakistan would not compromise on the matter.
Pakistan to Observe Day of Condemnation
Ashrafi said Pakistan would observe a “Day of Condemnation” over attempts to target the holy cities.
He said Friday sermons would condemn alleged Houthi attempts to target Makkah and Madinah.
The sermons would also highlight Muslim unity in support of Haramain security.
Ashrafi said Pakistan and the wider Muslim world remain committed to protecting the holy sites.
Faisal Karim Kundi Stresses Religious Harmony
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also addressed the conference.
He said he felt proud to attend the international peace conference.
Kundi highlighted the role of religious scholars in promoting peace.
He also referred to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s September 11 address.
Kundi said Jinnah had spoken about freedom for minorities in his address to the first Constituent Assembly.
The governor stressed national unity as a way to address Pakistan’s challenges.
He also described religious harmony as a national security issue.
Kundi said peace creates an environment where people can live without fear.
He called for a Pakistan that treats religious harmony as a source of strength.
