Lahore: Punjab Minister for Health and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that the welfare and stability of society lie in following the teachings of exalted Islam and adhering to the straight path.
In a statement issued on Thursday, he said that scholars are respected and influential members of society and their role is highly effective in social reform. He expressed optimism that positive developments would emerge from the scheduled meetings with Ittihad-e-Tanazeemat-e-Madaris and representatives of all schools of thought.
The minister said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a historic program to honor Imams of mosques, adding that the registration process of Imams is currently underway. He noted that, on the directions of the chief minister, meetings with Ittihad-e-Tanazeemat-e-Madaris and various schools of thought were held in an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect.
Emphasizing the need for unity, Khawaja Salman Rafiqu
e said that harmony among Muslims and inter-sectarian cohesion are the need of the hour. He acknowledged the significant role being played by religious seminaries in social reform and in the moral and educational training of students.
He further informed that another meeting with leading scholars of Ittihad-e-Tanazeemat-e-Madaris and other federations of religious seminaries is scheduled for next week, expressing hope that more positive outcomes would result from these consultations.
The minister added that along with the registration of Imams and madrasas, constructive engagement with religious circles will continue. He said that religious seminaries can be registered either under the Societies Registration Act or with the Directorate General of Religious Education (DG-RE) of the federal government.