ISLAMABAD: Stable and cordial relations with Islamic countries and rest of the world will make Pakistan stronger, said Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Mohammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi.

However, there is a need to overcome internal differences in Muslim society, and a national document, Paigham-i-Pakistan, has been designed that has been implemented by two governments in the country. He said serious efforts were needed at all levels to eradicate intolerance and extremism from society.

Talking to media after an Iftar dinner arranged in honour of the ambassadors of OIC countries, Hafiz Ashrafi said all countries, including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, had good relationship with Pakistan.

He expressed the confidence that relations between Pakistan and the Muslim world will continue to be as strong as it had been in the past.

Responding to a question, Hafiz Ashrafi said during the last 15 months not a single case was registered in Pakistan on account of misuse of the blasphemy law. He said after the Constitution, Paigham-i-Pakistan was the unanimous and unified document of the nation.

“However, serious efforts are needed at all levels to eradicate intolerance and extremism from society,” he added.

He said: “But at the same time, political leadership should also pursue a code of conduct like Paigham-i-Pakistan so that they do not distribute treason certificates for one another.”

Hafiz Ashrafi also said no group, organisation or individual should be allowed to campaign against Pakistan Army or security agencies.

Pakistan is an independent sovereign country which has to make its own decisions, he said.

Hafiz Ashrafi also announced that Paigham-i-Pakistan peace committees will be constituted soon at the regional level and conferences and workshops will be held across the country to ensure its implementation.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2022