- Advertisement -
LAHORE, Jun 23 (APP): Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has strongly condemned all attempts to divide the Muslim Ummah and warned that no greater oppression exists than efforts aimed at sowing discord among Muslims.
Talking to the media at Town Hall on Monday, along with other religious leaders, police and administration officials, he emphasized that in today’s complex global landscape, the unity of Muslims is not just a religious necessity but a strategic imperative. He remarked that in the Iran-Israel conflict, there are only two sides, one represents the Muslims, and the other is led by Netanyahu.
While seated beside Allama Rai Zafar, a fellow religious scholar with whom he shares a long history of advocacy for harmony and unity, Ashrafi reflected on the struggle for unity that has spanned decades. “We have grown old while talking about Muslim unity. There was a time when speaking about religious harmony would invite a bullet, today, one may still face a punch for saying it. Yet, we never stopped then, and we will not stop now,” he declared. He called on scholars and clerics to play their role in spreading awareness and educating the public on the values of unity, mutual respect, and lawful religious expression.
In a firm and unequivocal statement on foreign policy, Ashrafi declared that the government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan hold a united stance regarding Iran. He said that whether it is Israel or the United States, any military aggression against Iran is categorically unacceptable. Referring to the recent statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Ashrafi stated that this was not just a diplomatic position, but a reflection of the collective conscience of the Muslim world. “This is not merely a government issue, this is the concern of the entire Muslim Ummah. It is not about politics, it is about Islam,” he asserted.
Ashrafi lamented the brutal killing of Muslims around the world, citing the death of over 60,000 innocent Muslims, including children, women, and the elderly, within the last two years. He condemned the global silence in the face of this oppression and denounced the aggressors who, without accountability, continue to unleash violence upon Muslim populations. He emphasized that such barbarism cannot be tolerated and that it is the duty of every Muslim to stand against it.
He also pointed to past incidents where Pakistan faced hostile actions, implying that certain attacks were carried out using foreign-made weaponry. “The weapons used against us were not made in India,” he noted, suggesting involvement of broader international elements. Despite this, Ashrafi praised the bravery and resilience of Pakistan’s armed forces, describing them as the shield of the nation who stood firm and repelled aggression.
He referred to verses from the Holy Qur’an about the Battle of Badr, saying that past victories came not from weapons or numbers, but from faith and sincerity. “Our leaders prayed at tahajjud seeking Allah’s help, and Allah granted us a clear victory,” he said. He urged Muslims to return to their faith, as true strength comes from Allah, not worldly power.
Earlier, in a move aimed at ensuring peace and inter-sect harmony during the sacred month of Muharram, the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) has issued a comprehensive ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ Code of Conduct. This ethical charter, developed in consultation with scholars from various Islamic sects and religious communities, is a unified call to counter extremism, terrorism, sectarianism, and intolerance, while reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to peace and religious coexistence.
The code was formally announced during a high-level gathering of religious scholars and spiritual leaders from across the country, held in Lahore. Chaired by Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, who also serves as Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, the meeting brought together influential voices from all major schools of thought and representatives from non-Muslim faiths. Participants pledged collective adherence to the Code and affirmed that any individual, speaker, preacher, or religious figure who acts in violation of these agreed principles would receive no support or endorsement from responsible religious circles.
The declaration also addressed rising regional tensions, particularly denouncing the threats and hostilities directed toward Iran by Israel and the United States. The participants declared their complete rejection of any aggression against Iran, emphasizing that Iran is not only a neighboring country but a brotherly Islamic state. They asserted that, in accordance with international law, Iran has every right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement warned that Israeli aggression, backed by certain Western powers, is part of a wider agenda to destabilize the region under the so-called “Greater Israel” project.
The PUC expressed strong support for Pakistan’s stance on the Iran-Israel conflict, backed peace efforts by regional powers, and called for global action against Israeli aggression. It issued the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct for Muharram, promoting unity, religious harmony, and rejection of extremism.
The PUC emphasized respect for all sacred figures, protection of minority and women’s rights, and responsible conduct of religious gatherings. It pledged full cooperation with the government for maintaining peace and announced nationwide Ulema conventions to strengthen religious and social cohesion.