Implementing NAP will solve national issues: Ashrafi

SAPM said the government was working to review the NAP

ISLAMABAD:

Special Representative to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Religious Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Thursday said that the solution to national issues faced by the country lies in implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) in true letter and spirit.

During a joint press conference with leaders from the Christian community, Ashrafi said that the government was working to review the NAP as the premier had already held a meeting in this regard.

“The previous government used the NAP only for removal of speakers from mosques,” he said, adding that the ruling party will bring major changes in the plan to eradicate extremism and terrorism from the country.

The SAPM maintained that everyone living in Pakistan and following the country’s law was an equal citizen and enjoyed equal rights. He added that the non-Muslim communities were not alone and as a majority group, all Muslims will stand with them at every forum.

“No one will be allowed to take the law in their own hands and use the law to serve their own interest,” reiterated Ashrafi, adding that if someone commits blasphemy, an FIR should be lodged and the rest should be left to the law of the land.

Read: Will never let down survivors, parents of martyred APS children: PM Imran

Ashrafi also mentioned that as many as 137 blasphemy complaints were received during the current year, which were duly addressed and resolved. He appreciated the political parties’ stance not to allow the Sialkot incident to repeat in the future and their show of solidarity with the non-Muslim community in Pakistan.

Remembering the brutal Army Public School (APS) incident on its seventh anniversary, Ashrafi said today (Dec 16) was the day for the nation to move forward unitedly and make a commitment to serve and defend the country.

He said that just as the nation was united on the APS Peshawar tragedy, it also stood together on the Sialkot tragedy.

“We are starting with the determination that Pakistan belongs to all irrespective of his or her affiliation or beliefs,” he added.