KARACHI: Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Special Representative to the Caretaker Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Islamic Countries, said on Monday that Ulema and minorities, including the Christian community, were united for the peace and development of Pakistan.
Ashrafi, who is also Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, said that the PUC and churches had always stood firm for peace in the country.
He made these remarks during a visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral to celebrate Christmas with the Christian community.
Ashrafi, felicitating the Christian community of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion, said that the Ulema believed in having respect for all religions.
Minorities Enjoying Complete Religious Freedom in Pakistan
The minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs, were free to go to their worship places in the country, and their protection was the State’s responsibility, Ashrafi said.
He said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, also visited a Church today to join the Christian community in Christmas celebrations.
Referring to the Palestine situation, Ashrafi said that the Christians opened the doors of their churches to the Muslims when the latter were attacked.
He said that the Christians were also being targeted in Palestine along with the Muslims. We want peace and do not want war, he maintained.
Recalling the incident of Jaranwala, Ashrafi said that no one had the right to destabilize peace in the country.
He said that due to the efforts of the caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar and the army chief, activities had been restored in the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
