Lahore: Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that the PML-N government respects religious institutions of all schools of thought and is committed to promoting harmony and peace across the province.
He expressed these views during his visit to Jamiat-ul-Muntazir, Model Town, Lahore on Thursday, under a series of meetings with religious scholars being held on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. A detailed discussion was held during the meeting on the prevailing law and order situation in the province and other important matters.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the Punjab government is actively promoting interfaith harmony and inter-Muslim unity throughout the province. He informed that an Azazia program for Imams of mosques has been launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, adding that maintaining peace in Punjab is the top priority of the provincial government. He said the Chief Minister personally reviews the law and order situation, and as a result, Pakistan today is being recognized as a strong state at the global level.
The minister emphasized that along with the government, religious scholars are playing a vital role in establishing peace and stability. He said that the responsibility for development and ensuring peace in Pakistan rests with all segments of society.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi said that respected scholars always convey the message of peace, tolerance, and harmony. He announced that the process of distributing a monthly honorarium of Rs 25,000 to registered Imams of mosques across Punjab has been initiated from January 2026. He said that registered Imams can collect their pay orders and honorarium from the nearest Assistant Commissioner’s office. He termed the role of scholars in conveying the true spirit of religion to the public as a great service.
President Wafaq-ul-Madaris Shia Pakistan and Patron-in-Chief Jamiat-ul-Muntazir Ayatullah Hafiz Syed Riaz Hussain Najafi welcomed the government delegation and appreciated the Punjab government’s efforts for promoting Muslim unity. Special prayers were also offered for the development, peace, and security of the country.
A detailed meeting and discussion was held with the leadership of Wafaq-ul-Madaris Shia Pakistan. Former Secretary Auqaf Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari, Additional Secretary Abdul Rauf, Chairman Charity Commission, and other officers were present. From Jamiat-ul-Muntazir, General Secretary and Chief of Jamiat-ul-Muntazir Allama Muhammad Afzal Haideri, Madrassa heads Maulana Ghulam Baqir Ghaloo, Maulana Syed Ghulam Shabbir Najafi, Maulana Ijaz Hussain Haideri, Maulana Baqir Jawadi, and Maulana Lal Hussain Tohidi were also in attendance.