ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi on Thursday strongly condemned an incident in India’s Bihar province where the Chief Minister allegedly attempted to forcibly remove the hijab of a female doctor, terming it a shameful act against human dignity, religious freedom and women’s honour. Addressing a press conference here , Ashrafi said that instead of condemning the incident, some Indian politicians openly supported it, exposing …
India’s actions expose extremism; Pakistan’s defence not run by social media: Tahir Ashrafi
ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi on Thursday strongly condemned an incident in India’s Bihar province where the Chief Minister allegedly attempted to forcibly remove the hijab of a female doctor, terming it a shameful act against human dignity, religious freedom and women’s honour.
Addressing a press conference here , Ashrafi said that instead of condemning the incident, some Indian politicians openly supported it, exposing the growing intolerance and extremism within India’s political system.
He said the incident was viewed with serious concern at the international level, adding that India’s internal conduct towards Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and lower-caste Hindus, as well as its external acts of terrorism — now evident even in countries like Australia — had laid bare its true face.
Ashrafi said that hundreds of mosques and nearly 150 churches had so far been demolished in India, calling it a grave violation of international human rights and religious freedom.
He announced that Friday sermons would be delivered across Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and other parts of the world to condemn the humiliation of hijab-wearing women and Indian terrorism, while urging global institutions to take serious notice of India’s conduct.
Turning to internal matters, he said that a group operating on social media, including absconders, was working in coordination to distort Pakistan’s positive image by repeatedly creating controversies that ran contrary to the country’s principled stance.
Rejecting reports regarding Palestine, Ashrafi said that Pakistan would never take any step that could harm the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people.
He said that even if Pakistan ever became part of a peace force, it would only be for the protection of Palestinian rights and civilians.
Reiterating Pakistan’s position, he said the country supported an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Pakistan’s defence could not be dictated by YouTubers or social media narratives, questioning whether matters of national security were to be handled by the country’s top military leadership or online commentators.
He said the Pakistan Ulema Council’s motto was clear: support every good step taken in national interest and openly oppose or warn against anything wrong. He clarified that only half of his statement was circulated on social media, while his complete stance was full support for Pakistan’s defence alongside constructive guidance where required.
He stressed the need for complete implementation of the National Action Plan, particularly ensuring an effective and responsible role of the pulpit and mosque in countering extremism and strengthening national unity.
