National Paigham-e-Amn Committee to further strengthen religious harmony, peace: Tahir Ashrafi

LAHORE, Jul 02 (APP): Prime Minister’s Coordinator for the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee and Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Thursday said the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee would continue to play a more effective role in promoting peace, religious tolerance, inter-sect and interfaith harmony, while supporting efforts to eliminate extremism and sectarianism across the country.

Addressing a joint press conference alongside members of the committee and Punjab Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Tahir Ashrafi said legal action would continue against those spreading hate material in accordance with the law.

He said the overall law and order situation during Muharram remained satisfactory across the country, particularly in Punjab, adding that the peaceful atmosphere was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, religious scholars and representatives of all schools of thought.

He said only a limited number of complaints were received during Muharram, most of which were related to social media. He stressed that maintaining peace in the country was a collective responsibility and that anyone attempting to spread unrest, regardless of sect or affiliation, would face legal action.

Ashrafi said the committee had successfully brought together representatives of different sects and religions on one platform to promote unity and national cohesion. He appreciated recent interfaith and inter-sect gatherings organised by educational institutions, describing them as positive steps towards strengthening harmony.

He said Pakistan had achieved significant successes on the international stage in recent months and warned that hostile elements might attempt to create instability, but such conspiracies would be defeated through national unity.

Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said the Punjab government would continue extending full cooperation to the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee. He said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had personally monitored the law and order situation during Muharram, while measures under the National Action Plan were continuing to eliminate extremism.

He said action was being taken against those spreading hate content, social media was under continuous monitoring and individuals violating the law were being arrested. He added that a comprehensive strategy, in coordination with religious scholars, the administration and law enforcement agencies, would also be implemented to maintain peace during Rabi-ul-Awwal.

Punjab Minister Ramesh Arora said Sikh pilgrims often arrived in Pakistan after being discouraged in India, but returned impressed by the warmth, hospitality and respect they received, carrying a positive image of Pakistan to the world.

Other members of the committee appreciated the Punjab government’s measures for maintaining peace during Muharram and paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces. They said Pakistan was playing a constructive role in promoting global peace and noted that the coordinated efforts of the Ministries of Religious Affairs and Interior, the Punjab government and law enforcement agencies had helped ensure a peaceful Muharram.

They also urged the public to remain vigilant against sectarianism and fake news aimed at creating unrest, expressing confidence that Rabi-ul-Awwal would also be observed in an atmosphere of peace, harmony and mutual respect.

Representing the Hindu community, Ramesh Kumar said the participation of representatives of different faiths on one platform reflected Pakistan’s positive image and reaffirmed that the country belonged equally to all its citizens.

Bishop Kamran said followers of different religions were living together peacefully in Pakistan and called for further strengthening interfaith harmony.

At the conclusion of the press conference, members of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee joined hands to express national unity and reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively for Pakistan’s stability, peace and interfaith harmony. They also raised slogans in support of Pakistan and its armed forces.