LAHORE: Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman and Coordinator of the National Paigham-e-Pakistan Peace Committee, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, has stated that elements seeking to create unrest and instability in the country are acting against national interests. He emphasized that dialogue remains the only viable way to resolve political disputes.
Seminar on Hazrat Usman Ghani (RA)
Addressing a seminar titled “Fazail-e-Syedna Usman Ghani (RA)” organized by the Pakistan Ulema Council at the Lahore Press Club on Sunday, Ashrafi said Pakistan has demonstrated its strength and capabilities before the world. He regretted that while political parties in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are engaged in negotiations, some groups are opting for violence instead of pursuing the path of dialogue. Religious scholars including Maulana Asim Makhdoom and Ramzan Sialvi also attended the gathering.
Call for Unity Against Propaganda
Ashrafi said that whenever Muslims gained strength and unity, hostile forces resorted to baseless propaganda and disinformation campaigns. He noted that history shows internal conflict and bloodshed among Muslims often serve the interests of their enemies. He asserted that the state of Pakistan possesses the capability to confront both Fitna Al-Khawarij and hostile external threats.
Kashmir Situation
Referring to the situation in Kashmir, Ashrafi urged all stakeholders to come to the negotiating table and resolve their differences peacefully. “If any group believes its position enjoys public support, it should seek a mandate through elections and pursue change through constitutional and parliamentary means,” he said, adding that creating disorder and violence would only harm national unity and the Kashmir cause.
Peace Committee Efforts
Ashrafi said the National Paigham-e-Pakistan Peace Committee is maintaining contacts across all provinces and districts to promote harmony and stability. He expressed concern over incidents of violence and stressed that despite disagreements, dialogue will ultimately remain the only solution.
Lessons from Hazrat Usman Ghani (RA)
Highlighting the life of Hazrat Usman Ghani (RA), Ashrafi said false propaganda and fabricated allegations have been used against the third Caliph of Islam, adding that similar tactics of misinformation continue to pose challenges today. He said rumour-mongering and fake narratives remain among the biggest threats facing Muslim societies.
Scholars' Perspectives
Maulana Asim Makhdoom said Hazrat Usman Ghani (RA) was an exemplary personality whose life reflected peace, tolerance and service to Islam. He urged people to respect differences of opinion and avoid sectarian discord. Religious scholar Ramzan Sialvi said the title of Zun-Noorain and Hazrat Usman Ghani’s (RA) devotion to Islam are well documented in Islamic history. He said the Caliph embraced martyrdom in the interest of peace and stability despite facing rebellion fueled by false allegations and misinformation.
