Blasphemy awareness campaign from tomorrow, says Ashrafi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman and Special Representative to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has said a blasphemy awareness campaign is being launched from July 2.

Talking to visiting delegates of different religious schools of thought from South Punjab here on Wednesday, Ashrafi said the scholars of different religions and sects have to play an active role in maintaining law and order in the country. “In the last nine months, no killing has been reported in Pakistan on the basis of religion or creed,” he said.

He said forced conversions and underage marriages are almost non-existent in the country and if anyone has any complaints on the misuse of the blasphemy law, he or she should contact his office. He said people of all religions and sects live in Pakistan and it is a responsibility of the Muslims and the government of Pakistan to ensure protection of the rights of the minorities living in Pakistan.

He said that Peace Committees and Interfaith Harmony Councils are being made effective for maintaining law and order and interfaith harmony ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram. The prime minister has given clear instructions that no group or party will be allowed to spread hatred and anarchy in the country. “It is also a responsibility of religious scholars to make every effort to eradicate hatred and sectarian violence.”

He said no one in Pakistan needs to be scared. Pakistan gives rights to Muslims and non-Muslims in accordance with the Constitution and law. Maulana Abdul Majid Wattoo, Maulana Qasim Qasmi, Maulana Ismatullah Muawiyah, Maulana Tahir Aqeel Awan, Maulana Noman Hashir, Nayyar Mushtaq, Shahid Rehmat, Allama Mujahid Abbas Gardezi, Maulana Abdul Hanan, Maulana Habibullah Chishti and others were present.