ISLAMABAD: Renowned religious scholar Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that Islam is a religion of peace, love and brotherhood, adding that steering Pakistan towards a tolerant society is part of the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Ashrafi said religious scholars are playing an active role in promoting peace and stability across the country.
He praised scholars from all schools of thought for fostering unity, harmony and tolerance during the observance of Ashura.
He said the National Paigham-e-Amn Committee has issued a unified narrative on all major issues since September, which has also been reflected in Friday sermons delivered in mosques across the country.
He said representatives of 11 of Pakistan’s 15 major religious seminaries are members of the committee.
According to Ashrafi, around 22,000 seminaries are affiliated with these scholars, while administrators of another 12,000 seminaries are also represented on the platform.
Ashrafi expressed his desire to see gatherings similar to those held at Jamia Ashrafia organized in mosques across Pakistan, where followers of different Islamic schools of thought, as well as members of other faiths, could come together to promote mutual respect, interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
He said the National Paigham-e-Amn Committee would continue its efforts to make Pakistan a peaceful country and strengthen unity within the Muslim community.
Warning against sectarianism, Ashrafi said anyone attempting to incite unrest or fuel sectarian hatred would face legal action, regardless of their religious affiliation.
