Gujranwala: Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has called for a collective effort to ensure Pakistan’s peace, stability, and defense, emphasizing that these are shared responsibilities for all citizens, particularly religious leadership. Addressing a grand Ulema and Mashaikh Conference on Monday, Ashrafi declared that the religious leadership stands united with the State and Armed Forces of Pakistan to combat extremism, sectarianism, and violence. The conference, organized by the Pakistan Ulema Council, brought together over 1,000 religious scholars and spiritual leaders from across all schools of thought, including minority communities. The event culminated in a joint declaration where attendees pledged full cooperation with the government to ensure national stability and eliminate extremist ideologies. Ashrafi stressed that Pakistan’s enemies are attempting to sow division through sectarian discord, but the unity among various religious schools of thought in the country remains the strongest defense against such efforts.
“No one will be allowed to disrupt this atmosphere of peace and brotherhood,” he asserted. The conference also touched on the Punjab government’s recent announcement of a Rs 25,000 monthly stipend for imams. Ashrafi addressed criticism against the initiative, clarifying that the stipend is voluntary and non-political. He emphasized that no mosque or seminary is being closed and that the protection and regulation of religious institutions remain a top priority for both the government and the Ulema Council.
“The conscience of the custodians of the Mimber and Mahraab cannot be bought for twenty-five thousand rupees,” he said.
