Ulema vow to forge harmony

Punjab chief minister announces action against hate literature

LAHORE:

Religious scholars of all schools of thought pledged on Wednesday to continue playing their key role for national unity, stability, harmony and peace.

This was asserted in a joint declaration issued after Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi presided over a meeting of the Punjab Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen Committee.

Ulema, Khatteebs and Zakirs will adopt a moderate and positive attitude in their sermons, it declared and added that Islam teaches showing tolerance towards ‘Ahl-e-kitab’ and non-Muslims; so the ulema will emphasise tolerance and unity of Muslims in their sermons and will completely reject differences, especially during Muharram to help establish peace and harmony.

“The ulema of all schools of thought also agree that no Muslim should be hurt and we will all adhere strictly to this policy. Terrorism and killings in the name of religion are anti-Islam and we strongly condemn them,” the declaration read.

“We will avoid such writings and speeches that could hurt any school of thought,” the clerics declared.

It was stated that the country was going through a critical period in its history and “we are determined to strengthen and stabilise the country by making it a cradle of peace and stability by showing patience, courage and prudence. We pray to Almighty Allah to protect our beloved homeland and make our efforts of promoting unity among Muslims fruitful.”

Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi vowed to take action against the publication and sale of hate literature.

He announced that indiscriminate action will be taken against those who spread hateful content on social media.

Religious scholars attending the meeting appreciated the initiative of the chief minister for making an affidavit about the Finality of Prophethood (PBUH) mandatory in the marriage certificate.

The CM said ulema and mashaikh had always guided the nation and he appreciated their role in maintaining brotherhood, tolerance and unity in the society.

He said special committees including administrative and police officials and ulema have been formed in districts for religious tolerance and peace during Muharram.

In order to maintain peace at the grassroots, decisions will be made in consultation, he said.

He asserted that the publication and sale of any literature containing hateful content cannot be allowed under any circumstances.

The chief minister also ordered the formation of a committee headed by former minister Basharat Raja and having representation of administration and police officials along with religious scholars to resolve issues of the ulema.

Australian cooperation

Australian High Commissioner Neil Hawkings also met Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi and discussed promotion of bilateral relations and increasing cooperation in the fields of health, education, agriculture, livestock, sports and culture.

Both sides agreed to start an exchange programme for training officers of police and other departments.

The CM said Australia had great expertise in agriculture, dairy development and livestock and Punjab wanted to utilise the Australian model in the areas.

There are significant investment opportunities available for Australia in the information technology and tourism sectors and the exchange of cultural delegations between Pakistan and Australia will also increase friendly relations, he concluded.

The Australian high commissioner said every possible cooperation would be extended to the Punjab government to enhance partnership in various fields.

MNA Moonis Elahi, the chief secretary and other senior officials were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2022.