Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday called upon religious scholars and minority leaders to play a more active role in countering hate speech, sectarianism and misinformation, saying social harmony and public safety required collective efforts from all segments of society.
Chief Minister Addresses National Paigham-e-Aman Committee
She was addressing a meeting of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, attended by leading religious scholars from all schools of thought and representatives of minority communities. The chief minister said mosques and religious platforms should play a greater role in promoting peace, tolerance and social cohesion. She urged clerics to help discourage sectarianism, character assassination and the spread of hatred, while encouraging citizens to report hate material circulating on social media so that legal action could be taken against those responsible.
Security and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Referring to the prevailing security situation, Maryam Nawaz said the committee had an important role in countering terrorism and extremism, adding that the participation of scholars from different schools of thought and minority representatives reflected unity and mutual trust. She said the Punjab government was committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of religion or sect, and maintained that provincial laws were enforced against offenders without discrimination. Protecting all schools of thought and minority communities, she added, remained a constitutional responsibility of the government.
Appreciation for Law Enforcement and Prison Reforms
The chief minister appreciated the services of Provincial Home Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, provincial ministers Bilal Yasin and Shafay Hussain, the inspector general of police, the home secretary and other officials for maintaining law and order across the province. She also referred to reforms introduced in the prison system aimed at improving administration and rehabilitation. Paying tribute to Punjab Police personnel, she said officers had performed duties for extended hours in extreme weather during Muharram, describing their commitment as an example of professionalism. She stressed that all religious events should continue to be managed through coordinated standard operating procedures and effective administrative planning.
Response to Violence Against Women and Children
Maryam Nawaz also expressed grief over the rape and murder of a six-year-old girl in Sargodha and said police had arrested the suspect with the help of forensic evidence. She said cases involving violence against women and children remained among her government’s top priorities and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice. She urged parents to exercise caution during the summer by ensuring children were not left unattended near canals and warned of strict action against those stealing manhole covers, saying negligence that endangered lives would not be tolerated. She also advised parents to remain vigilant about the safety of children travelling to tuition centres and other educational facilities.
Action Against Drug Trafficking and Domestic Violence
The chief minister said the government was also taking action against drug trafficking, including smuggling through drones, while expressing concern over corporal punishment in educational institutions and incidents of domestic violence.
Muharram Arrangements and Upcoming Preparations
Highlighting arrangements made during Muharram, she said comprehensive security measures had been implemented for processions and religious gatherings, with deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and other officials remaining in the field to supervise arrangements. She said the Suthra Punjab campaign ensured cleanliness of procession routes, while facilities including mobile medical camps, drinking water, sprinklers and sanitation services were provided to participants. She added that preparations for Eid Milad-un-Nabi would begin immediately. Development and upgradation work, she said, was under way at the shrines of Data Darbar and Shrine of Baba Farid, while the renovation of Bibi Pak Daman had been completed to facilitate visitors.
Committee's Endorsement and Commitment
According to an official handout, members of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee appreciated the provincial government’s security and administrative arrangements during Muharram, including sanitation, medical facilities and drinking water for mourners. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting religious harmony, interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence across Punjab. The committee, according to the handout, also expressed support for efforts aimed at discouraging hate speech and false propaganda on social media, stressing the need for collective action to preserve peace and national unity.
