Peshawar: A delegation of religious scholars representing various schools of thought visited Peshawar’s Cathedral Church on Tuesday under the banner of the National Paigham-e-Pakistan Peace Committee, reaffirming their commitment to interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and national unity.
The delegation was led by Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi and included Dr Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Maulana Zahid Mansoor, Mufti Zubair Faheem, Mufti Abdul Rahim, Engineer Mufti Usman, Mufti Mir Asif Qari, Mufti Abdul Karim Khan, Mufti Yousaf Kashmiri and other prominent religious scholars.
The delegation was received by Cathedral Church priest Rev Humphrey Sarfraz Peter, who welcomed the visitors and conducted a tour of the church premises. During the visit, the scholars stressed the importance of promoting interfaith harmony, religious tolerance, mutual respect and lasting peace.
Speaking to the media before the visit, Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said the National Paigham-e-Pakistan Peace Committee was working to promote respect, patience and tolerance among different Islamic schools of thought and religious communities, counter extremist ideologies and strengthen national cohesion.
He said the committee also plays an active role in maintaining peace, promoting religious harmony and ensuring adherence to the code of conduct during sensitive occasions, particularly during Muharram.
Maulana Tahir Ashrafi said Islam does not permit extremism, terrorism or any action carried out in the name of religion that violates the Constitution.
He said the entire nation stands united against terrorism and paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs and veterans, describing them as the pride of the country, with religious leaders from all schools of thought standing alongside them.
He said the purpose of the visit was to express solidarity with the Christian community and promote the message of interfaith harmony, peace, love and respect for humanity.
Pakistan, he said, belongs equally to followers of all religions, and the Constitution guarantees equal rights and religious freedom to every citizen.
Recalling previous efforts, Ashrafi said religious scholars had also visited churches during the rise of terrorism cases in Pakistan to express solidarity with the Christian community. The participation of scholars from different schools of thought in Tuesday’s visit, he added, reflected the unity of Pakistanis under the national flag.
Ashrafi said the National Paigham-e-Pakistan Peace Committee was established on the directives of the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal to promote peace, national unity, love and interfaith harmony across the country.
He said that whenever Pakistan had faced challenges, religious scholars from all schools of thought had stood together against menace of terrorism and extremism.
Members of the committee reiterated that followers of all religions in Pakistan enjoy constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equal rights. They pledged to continue working collectively to eliminate hatred, extremism and sectarianism while promoting religious tolerance, national unity and brotherhood to help build a peaceful Pakistan.
The delegation also said that religious scholars from all schools of thought remain united for the protection, stability and unity of the state. They described Pakistan’s historic successes in Marka-e-Haq and Bunyan-un-Marsoos as symbols of national unity and strong defence of the country, adding that the entire nation stands with the armed forces of Pakistan.
They noted that churches across Pakistan had also offered prayers for the country’s peace, security and the armed forces, calling it a powerful example of national solidarity.
The delegation further said Islamic teachings provide clear guidance on safeguarding the rights of religious minorities. Citing a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), they said anyone who oppresses a non-Muslim or a member of a minority community will find the Prophet standing in support of the oppressed on the Day of Judgment.
They emphasised that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees minorities equal rights, religious freedom, education and equal opportunities in all sectors, and that protecting these rights is the state’s responsibility.
The scholars reaffirmed that under Tahir Ashrafi’s leadership, religious leaders from all schools of thought remain united in promoting peace, interfaith harmony, countering extremism and strengthening Pakistan’s security and stability.
They vowed to continue joint efforts to foster peace, love, brotherhood and religious tolerance, saying all Pakistanis are bound together by a shared national identity and must work collectively for the country’s security and progress.
Representatives of the church administration and the Christian community welcomed the delegation’s visit, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening interfaith harmony. They expressed hope that such initiatives would further enhance trust, mutual respect, love and cooperation among followers of different faiths.
