Tahir Ashrafi conferred with OIC award for struggle against extremism

Religious scholar dedicates award to ulema and security forces for their role in eradicating terrorism

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday conferred Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) with its Universal Award over his struggle to eradicate the menace of terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence in Pakistan and across the Muslim world.

UAE Minister for Tolerance and Harmony Al-Sheikh Al-Nehan Al-Mubarak and Secretary General OIC Dr Yusuf Ahmed Al-Asmeen presented the shield to the religious scholar in a special ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.

The ceremony was attended by delegates of 57 Islamic countries including renowned Islamic Scholar Dr Abdullah bin Beha and ambassadors of several Muslim countries to the UAE.

'Islamabad declaration' to help fight terrorism, extremism: Tahir Ashrafi

Addressing the gathering, OIC chief Dr Al-Asmeen lauded efforts Ashrafi had made to represent Islam and Islamic teachings at every forum with real spirit of Quran-o-Sunnah.

Thanking the OIC officials and the UAE government, Hafiz Ashrafi said it was an honour to receive the prestigious award and dedicate it to ongoing struggle of Ulema and Mashaikh of Pakistan for annihilation of terrorism and extremism.

The Islamic scholar also dedicated the award to Pakistan’s security forces for their unmatched sacrifices in the war against terrorism and extremism. He also pointed out that the entire world had acknowledged the role security forces of the country played against the menace of terrorism and extremism. Ashrafi also urged the leadership of the Muslim world to get united and defeat this menace.