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FAISALABAD, Oct 06 (APP):Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council and President International Faith Harmony Council Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has said that under “Paigham-e-Pakistan” initiative, all scholars across the country have unanimously agreed that armed struggle within Pakistan is forbidden (haram) and the nation must adopt the path of peace and non-violence to ensure harmony and stability.
Addressing a press conference at Jamia Usmania here on Monday, he said that Pakistan’s defense is strong and invincible. Defense of Pakistan is the foremost religious and national obligation as a strong defense liberates people from fear and contributes to national economic growth and stability, he added.
He strongly criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he fueled tensions between two billion people merely to secure electoral victory. However, Pakistan would respond firmly if provoked, he warned.
He said that under Paigham-e-Pakistan, more than 15,000 scholars including from Saudi Arabia have endorsed the stance that armed struggle within Pakistan is Haram (prohibited).
He said that Pak armed forces are already performing duty of jihad in defense of the nation. Those desiring to serve this cause should join the army rather than take the law into their own hands, he added.
He also criticized self-proclaimed YouTube preachers for issuing unauthorized religious decrees and said that issuing fatwas must remain within the bounds of Shariah and national law.
He condemned fake news and misinformation spread through social media and refuted the propaganda that Pakistan had recognized Israel. He said that both Parliament and the military spokesperson had categorically denied such rumors.
However, he questioned whether those spreading these false claims would now apologize to the nation.
On the Abraham Accords, he said the agreement remains unclear. The commentators should speak on the basis of only verified facts, he added.
Elaborating Paigham-e-Pakistan’s message, Tahir Ashrafi said that it stands for respecting one’s own faith while refraining from attacking others’ beliefs.
On matters related to blasphemy or religious offense, the people should follow the legal and judicial process rather than resorting to mob justice, he said, adding that such issues should fall strictly under the jurisdiction of courts.
He also condemned incidents like Jaranwala tragedy and mob killing of a Sri Lankan citizen. Pakistan has dire need of a cultural and moral shift towards tolerance, he added.
Regarding Senator Mushtaq’s case, he said that coordination with lawyers from Jordan and Palestine is underway and he will safely return soon.
He said that Pakistan is sincere in support of Palestinian cause as no Muslim could compromise on Palestine. He reiterated his support for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He announced the establishment of Paigham-e-Aman Committee under Paigham-e-Pakistan framework and said that this committee would comprise representatives of various religions and sects including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians to promote interfaith harmony at grassroots level. The committee would work across districts to spread the message of peace and counter misinformation and hate propaganda on social media, he added.
Tahir Ashrafi also appealed to the general public to practice patience and tolerance in debates and disputes in addition to relying on legal avenues in sensitive religious matters.
The people should also protect themselves and society from divisive propaganda so that a peaceful, tolerant and progressive Pakistan can be built, he added.