ISLAMABAD: Safeguarding the honour of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is a religious duty of every Muslim and the government is making utmost efforts to counter any acts of blasphemy, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said.

Presiding over the first meeting of the joint committee for the implementation of agreement between the government and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Wednesday, he said that it is the duty of all Muslims to protect the honour, respect and esteemed stature of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and any negligence in this regard is unimaginable.

Minister of State for Interior Abdul Rehman Kanju and Secre­tary Interior Syed Ali Murtaza also participated on behalf of the official side, while the TLP side was led by Dr Shafiq Amini and Mufti Umair Al-Azhari, with other members also present in the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the progress made regarding the measures taken to protect the just status and honour of the Prophet (PBUH).

Meeting of govt-TLP joint committee reviews progress on 12-clause agreement

Additionally, the progress of the other points outlined in the 12-clause agreement between the government and the TLP was also assessed.

It was informed during the meeting that discussions on the clauses related to the economy, including the reduction in fuel prices, would take place after receiving input from the Ministry of Finance.

Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Information Technology, FIA, PTA, Pemra and provincial interior department participated in the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Dr Amini stressed that the government had categorised the agreement into two parts. The first part pertaining to the faith of Muslims, and the second focusing on the economic uplift of Pakistani citizens.

“The love and respect for Prophethood runs through the veins of every Muslim, and we want to ensure that the honour is not degraded,” Dr Amini added.

He said it was government’s responsibility to address serious concerns regarding conspiracies originating from abroad that aim to undermine the honour and stature of the Prophet (PBUH).

Mr Sanaullah said that anyone who does not believe in the finality of Prophethood (PBUH) cannot be considered a Muslim.

However, he added that there was a need to thoroughly investigate the cases related to blasphemy to avoid misuse of the law.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2023