Lahore: Provincial Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique on Monday held a meeting with a delegation of Ittehad-e-Tanzeemat-e-Madaris at the Punjab Home Department, where the overall law and order situation and promotion of tolerance in the province were discussed in detail.
The delegation comprised representatives of Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Pakistan, Wafaq-ul-Madaris Al-Arabia Pakistan, Rabitat-ul-Madaris Pakistan, Wafaq-ul-Madaris Al-Salafia Pakistan and Wafaq-ul-Madaris Al-Shia Pakistan.
Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, Secretary Auqaf Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary IandC Masood Nauman, former Secretary Auqaf Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari, Special Secretary Home, Additional IG Special Branch, Additional IG Operations Punjab, DIG CTD, Director General Auqaf, Additional Secretary Home, Chairman Charity Commission and other senior officers were also present.
Addressing the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique said the Punjab government was promoting interfaith harmony and unity among Muslims and respected all schools of thought equally. He emphasised that religious scholars played a key role in fostering peace, tolerance and brotherhood in society.
He said the Punjab government, in collaboration with all schools of thought, was taking effective steps to ensure sustainable peace, adding that maintaining law and order remained the government’s top priority.
Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said respected religious scholars had always preached peace and tolerance. He informed that mosque imams could collect pay orders and funds under the Chief Minister Punjab Honorarium Program for Mosque Imams from their respective Assistant Commissioner offices. He added that guiding people towards the true spirit of religion was a great service rendered by religious scholars.
Members of the religious delegation assured their full cooperation for promoting harmony and religious tolerance, stating that dialogue and mutual consultation were essential for social stability. They welcomed the Punjab government’s efforts to strengthen unity among Muslims.
The meeting concluded with special prayers for the progress, peace and prosperity of the country and the nation.