LAHORE, Jul 24 (DNA): Special Representative to the Prime Minister for
Interfaith Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has
appealed to political and religious leadership of the country to play
their role in creating an atmosphere of peace, harmony and mutual
understanding.

Addressing a press conference after attending a meeting of Muttahida
Ulema Board, Ulema-Mashaykh here on Sunday, he said that Pakistan was
passing through a critical phase and the people living in this country
need love, peace and unity. He lauded the services of the national
institutions to maintain peace in the country, saying that institutions’
role was admirable and commendable.

Ashrafi said that the economic and financial situation of the country
required wise and united decisions by the political side as country’s
development needs a better understanding among political powers.

He said the religious scholars had expressed their disassociation from
those elements that used foul or abusive language against the faithful
and followers of various sects. He said it was a duty of ulema and
mashaykh to educate people about difference between the right and wrong,
while declaring someone as an infidel (kafir) was the jurisdiction of
the state, which would be determined in accordance with the Shariah.

Ashrafi said non-Muslims were equal citizens of the state having full
right to worship and practise their religious rituals at their worship
places on the occasion of their festivals. The rights given to
non-Muslims by the Constitution could not be usurped by any individual,
group, party and organisation, he added.

He said that Muttahida Ulema Board’s meeting issued a code of conduct
which should be followed to avert any untoward incident in the holy
month of Muharram. He also appealed to the media to highlight Muharram
code of conduct during and after the days of Muharram and play a
supportive role to spread the message of unity in the country.

To a question, Hafiz Ashrafi said Pakistan’s friendly countries would
stand with it in any situation and crises, adding that Pakistan could
never be in situation like Sri Lanka by the grace of Almighty Allah.

Maulana Hasan Hasibur Rahman, Allama Abdul Haq Mujahid, Allama Hussain
Akbar, Maulana Syed Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Maulana Raghib Hussain Naimi
and other religious leaders from all sects were present.