Punjab govt, religious scholars reaffirm commitment to peace, madrassa reforms

LAHORE, Jul 29 (APP):Punjab Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique, on Wednesday termed the Chief Minister Punjab’s honorarium programme for imams a highly commendable initiative, saying the government is committed to working closely with religious scholars to maintain peace and strengthen public order across the province.

He expressed these views while addressing a meeting with a delegation of Ittehad Tanzeem Madaris, led by Secretary General Wifaq Al-Madaris Al-Arabiya Pakistan, Maulana Qari Hanif Jalandhari, at the Home Department. The meeting was held as part of an ongoing series of consultations with religious scholars on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The meeting reviewed the overall law and order situation in Punjab and discussed the registration of madrassas.

Khawaja Salman Rafique said consultations with scholars from all schools of thought are continuing under the leadership of the Chief Minister. He described the meeting with the senior leadership of Ittehad Tanzeem Madaris as highly productive and expressed optimism that further progress would be made in the next round of discussions in light of the recommendations presented regarding madrassa registration.

He said religious scholars from all schools of thought have demonstrated unity for the sake of peace and stability in Punjab. Stressing the need for national unity, the minister said all differences must be set aside to work collectively for the security and prosperity of Pakistan, adding that scholars across all schools of thought are on the same page regarding the country’s security.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi said the provincial government is maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace. He acknowledged the significant role of religious scholars in promoting harmony and appreciated their full cooperation during Muharram in maintaining law and order across the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Qari Hanif Jalandhari assured the Punjab government of continued cooperation for safeguarding the country’s peace and security. He said scholars from all schools of thought would continue to promote unity and ensure compliance with the law. He also appreciated the Punjab government’s measures aimed at strengthening public order.

Special prayers were offered at the conclusion of the meeting for the peace, security and prosperity of Pakistan and its people.

The meeting was attended by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, Special Secretary Faisal Farid, Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari, Director General Auqaf Hafiz Anisur Rehman, Chief Coordination Officer Ghulam Saghir Shahid, Additional Secretary Special Initiatives Abdul Rauf, senior officers of the Special Branch and Counter Terrorism Department, along with representatives of major religious boards, including Director General Tanzeem Al-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan Sahibzada Muhammad Mustafa Hazarvi, Maulana Muhammad Yasin Zafar of Wifaq Al-Madaris Al-Salafiya, Hafiz Syed Qutab of Rabitat Al-Madaris Al-Islamiya Pakistan, Maulana Lal Hussain Tohidi of Wifaq Al-Madaris Al-Shia Pakistan, Hafiz Muhammad Amjad, Hafiz Asad Obaid of Jamia Ashrafia and other scholars.