Islamabad: Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said that there is an urgent need to promote dialogue among different social groups.
Addressing a national seminar on ‘Countering Violent Extremism’ organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), he highlighted the challenges of violent extremism in Pakistan and said that the call for dialogue would reduce misunderstandings and create an environment of cooperation. respect between different groups, fostering a more harmonious and tolerant society.
Ashrafi further emphasized the importance of implementing Paigham-e-Pakistan, a comprehensive doctrine designed to bridge the gap between different schools of thought and unite scholars and religious leaders to fight extremism across the country.
“This joint strategy is considered essential to ensure long-term peace and stability not only in the country but also in the region.”
Addressing the issue of abuse of religious fatwas, Ashrafi called for the establishment of a mechanism to issue Fatwas on matters of public importance.
Citing the example of Dar-ul-Ifta institutions in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, he emphasized the need for government-level oversight to ensure responsible and effective religious decisions.
Dar-ul-Ifta Saudi Arabia and Dar-ul-Ifta Egypt are known for their systematic approach to issuing fatwas, because these institutions employ well-rounded scholars who discuss religious issues in a methodical manner and provide well-thought out and balanced opinions. .
He said Pakistan could benefit from using a similar model that would help reduce the risks associated with baseless and inappropriate Fatwas that could lead to violence and extremism.
Ashrafi recommends taking action against those who issue Fatwas that are contrary to Sharia, Quran and Sunnah.
He urged religious and political leaders to transcend personal interests for the benefit of society. He called on all members of society to work together to create an enabling environment to promote the development of a just society.
Ashrafi stressed the importance of cooperation and commitment among leaders to promote social harmony and combat extremism. By prioritizing the common good over personal gain, leaders can contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful society, he said. He said this approach is needed to tackle the root causes of extremism and build a society that can resist divisive influences.
In his concluding remarks, he stressed the need for urgent prosecution of minority groups and violent attacks. “Hearings are clearly necessary to prevent long-standing injustice and ensure that such hardship and discrimination cannot be tolerated,” he said, stressing the importance of strengthening the rule of law and upholding the principle of equality and human rights.
