ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP):Religious scholars and spiritual leaders representing various schools of thought on Thursday unanimously endorsed the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct issued by the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC), reaffirming their collective commitment to promoting peace, inter-sect harmony, religious tolerance and national unity during Muharram-ul-Haram. The announcement was made by members of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee and leading religious scholars and spiritual leaders representing various schools of thought during a …
National Paigham-e-Aman Committee issues Muharram Code of Conduct; religious scholars renew pledge for peace, inter-sec
ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP):Religious scholars and spiritual leaders representing various schools of thought on Thursday unanimously endorsed the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct issued by the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC), reaffirming their collective commitment to promoting peace, inter-sect harmony, religious tolerance and national unity during Muharram-ul-Haram.
The announcement was made by members of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee and leading religious scholars and spiritual leaders representing various schools of thought during a joint press conference held in Islamabad following a meeting.
The participants reiterated their shared resolve to counter sectarian violence, extremism, terrorism, hate speech and all forms of religious intolerance, stressing that Muharram-ul-Haram should serve as a symbol of unity, patience, sacrifice and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the media, Prime Minister’s Coordinator and Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, alongside prominent religious leaders including Maulana Zulfiqar, Maulana Zahid Mansoor, Mufti Karim Khan, Dr. Asif Mir, Maulana Nauman Hashir, and Maulana Tahir Aqil, said the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct had been formulated through extensive consultations with scholars from all schools of thought and representatives of different religious communities to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram across the country.
He said all Ulema, Mashaykh, Zakireen, Khateebs and religious speakers would fully adhere to the Code and no support would be extended to any individual violating its provisions.
Ashrafi emphasized that the promotion of inter-sect and interfaith harmony, elimination of sectarian violence, and rejection of extremism and hate-based narratives remain central objectives of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee.
The committee members unanimously declared that sectarian hatred, armed sectarian conflict and attempts to impose beliefs through force are contrary to the teachings of Islam, constitute Fasad-fil-Ardh (mischief on earth), and are both national and religious crimes.
The scholars collectively rejected extremist ideologies and violent narratives, reaffirming that all schools of thought in Pakistan stand united against terrorism and religious intolerance.
The Code of Conduct emphasizes the sanctity and respect of the Prophets, the Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Mothers of the Believers and the Ahl al-Bayt. The participants declared that all schools of thought dissociate themselves from any individual involved in insulting, desecrating or declaring these revered personalities as unbelievers and urged authorities to take immediate legal action against such violations.
The scholars further stated that while religious leaders have a responsibility to educate people about correct and incorrect beliefs, the authority to declare any individual a non-believer (Takfir) rests solely with the state and must be exercised in accordance with Islamic principles and Pakistan’s law.
Reaffirming constitutional guarantees, the committee stated that all non-Muslim citizens of Pakistan enjoy complete freedom to worship according to their faiths and celebrate their religious festivals. It stressed that no individual or group has the right to deprive minorities of the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan.
The Code also states that non-Muslims living peacefully in an Islamic state are entitled to protection and security, and any violation of the law should be dealt with through the country’s legal and judicial system.
The committee affirmed that citizens have the constitutional and legal right to organize and attend religious gatherings, Majalis, conferences and commemorative events during Muharram and Safar, while ensuring respect for public order, privacy and the sanctity of homes and places of worship.
Calling for vigilance against elements seeking to create unrest, the scholars urged followers of all schools of thought, including devotees of Ahl al-Bayt and admirers of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), to remain united against anti-state and anti-Islam forces attempting to sow discord in society.
Religious scholars, preachers and Zakireen were urged to promote unity and avoid divisive rhetoric. They were also asked to cooperate with the administration and law-enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious or disruptive activities.
The Code reiterates that every scholar has the right to explain the beliefs and teachings of his own school of thought, provided that the language used remains respectful and does not target the religious personalities, beliefs or practices of others.
A special appeal was made to electronic, print and social media organizations to widely disseminate the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct before, during and after Muharram-ul-Haram and to promote messages of peace, harmony and national cohesion.
The committee further called upon relevant government institutions to take immediate action against any speech, publication, broadcast or social media content that incites hatred, violence or sectarian tensions.
Speaking on the occasion, committee members stressed that scholars and spiritual leaders from all schools of thought stand shoulder to shoulder with the state in efforts to eradicate extremism, terrorism and intolerance from society.
The meeting was attended by members of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, including Shabbir Ahmed Usmani, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), along with senior religious scholars and representatives of various schools of thought.
The participants announced a nationwide campaign for the promotion and implementation of the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct and pledged full cooperation with the government and law-enforcement agencies to ensure peace and stability during Muharram-ul-Haram.
The committee expressed confidence that effective implementation of the Code of Conduct would strengthen inter-sect harmony, reinforce the message of Paigham-e-Pakistan, and help ensure a peaceful, tolerant and united Pakistan.
“Muharram is a message of sacrifice, patience and unity; safeguarding peace and harmony during the sacred month is a collective national and religious responsibility,” the participants declared.
