No plan to recognise Israel: President Alvi

Says govt will consult religious scholars to seek their effective role in avoiding misuse of blasphemy laws

LAHORE: President Dr Arif Alvi has said the life and character of Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) is a beacon of light for the entire humanity and guaranteed human rights and peace in the society.

Talking to a delegation of Ulema belonging to different schools of thought here at the Governor House on Saturday, he stressed the need for highlighting the essence of Islam and projecting Islam's positive, benevolent and peaceful aspects.

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar was also present during the meeting with the Ulema. The president reiterated the government's commitment to safeguard the Finality and Honour of Prophethood (Namoos-e-Risalat), adding that the government would consult Ulema to seek their effective role in avoiding the misuse of blasphemy laws.

He urged Ulema to cooperate with the government to ensure that the holy beliefs of Muslims were not misused to create conflicts, aggression and destroying peace in the country.

President Alvi said that no change in Clause 295-C of the blasphemy laws was under consideration and the government could not even think of any such change in the law.

He said the government was also not considering any proposal to recognise Israel. The president said that the process of registration of mosques and madrassas would be made more easy, adding that the registration process would be completed swiftly.



Speaking on the occasion, Allama Ayub Safdar, representative of the Ulema delegation, assured that they (Ulema) would extend all possible help to ensure peace in the country and cooperate fully to make Pakistan a welfare Islamic state.

Punjab Governor Muhamad Sarwar also reassured Ulema that the government would protect 'Namoos-e-Risalat' by all means and no proposal regarding recognition of Israel was under consideration.