PM appoints Tahir Ashrafi as coordinator for religious harmony, diaspora in Muslim countries

Appointment comes at critical time amid shifts in Muslim world and Pakistan’s key ties with Gulf and Islamic states

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday appointed Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, as Coordinator for Religious Harmony and for the Pakistani diaspora in the Middle East and Muslim countries.

The appointment comes at a critical juncture amid evolving developments in the Muslim world and the strategic importance of Pakistan’s relations with Gulf and other Islamic states.

Ashrafi has previously served as a special representative and brings extensive experience in religious diplomacy, interfaith engagement and international outreach. In his new role, he will be tasked with strengthening coordination, enhancing mutual understanding and further improving Pakistan’s relations with Islamic and Arab countries.

He has played a significant and widely acknowledged role in promoting interfaith and inter-sectarian harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence within Pakistan.

Ashrafi is a member of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League and is affiliated with several prominent international and Islamic organisations. He also maintains close and longstanding personal ties with leading Islamic scholars and senior figures across the Arab and Muslim world.