Lahore: Punjab Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique on Wednesday attended a holy flag hoisting ceremony associated with the shrine of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf Ashraf, held at Idara Minhaj-ul-Hussain in Johar Town.
A special delegation from the holy shrine of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS), Najaf Ashraf, also participated in the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Rabi-ul-Awwal is the blessed month marking the birth and arrival of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is the benefactor of humanity and the greatest of mankind. He said that the birth anniversary of Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS) also falls in this sacred month.
He said it was a matter of great honour and pride to participate in the spiritual and enlightening flag hoisting ceremony. Khawaja Salman Rafique said that, in accordance with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government strongly believes in inter-Muslim harmony and interfaith unity.
Paying tribute to Patron-in-Chief of Minhaj-ul-Hussain Allama Dr Muhammad Hussain Akbar, the provincial minister described him as a highly respected and admirable personality. He said that the sacred land of Iraq holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims due to its association with revered Islamic personalities, including Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA).
He prayed that, through the blessings of the holy month of Rabi-ul-Awwal and the birth anniversary of Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS), Allah Almighty may keep Pakistan, Palestine, Iran and Iraq under His protection and grant peace and security to their people.
The delegation from the shrine of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) expressed prayers and best wishes for peace and prosperity in Pakistan. The delegation also conveyed its good wishes for Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Punjab government.
Speaking on the occasion, Patron-in-Chief of Minhaj-ul-Hussain Allama Dr Muhammad Hussain Akbar said that the sacred flag associated with the shrine of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf Ashraf was being hoisted in Lahore, describing the occasion as a great spiritual blessing.
He thanked Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and other guests for attending the ceremony and highly appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for promoting unity among Muslims.
Secretary Auqaf Department Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Chairman Muttahida Ulema Board Mufti Intikhab Ahmed Noori, Syed Kazim Raza Naqvi and a large number of religious scholars and dignitaries attended the ceremony.
