Shehbaz meets Paigham-e-Aman Committee, stresses unity against extremism

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met members of the National Paigham-e-Aman (Message of Peace) Committee, as government leaders and religious scholars stressed the need for unity in countering terrorism and extremism through a strong national narrative.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar praised the committee’s efforts to promote harmony, saying unity was essential in what he described as the “war of narratives” against terrorism and extremism. He said the Paigham-e-Aman Committee had played an active role in shaping the national narrative in a short period of time.

Tarar announced that the committee would carry the message of peace across the country, adding that the government viewed its work as a key pillar in strengthening social cohesion.

Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Tahir Ashrafi, said the committee would strive to live up to the government’s trust and that its members would remain at the forefront of the narrative battle against extremism. He announced that a two-day conference of religious scholars from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be convened as part of these efforts.

Ashrafi said both the prime minister and the country’s military leadership had sent a clear message that peace in Pakistan was paramount. He added that the committee would also visit personnel of the armed forces and security institutions, noting that religious scholars deeply respected the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s soldiers.

Other scholars echoed similar views. Allama Raghib Naeemi said ulema valued the sacrifices of the armed forces, while Mufti Abdul Rahim said the committee would take the message of peace to every corner of the country. Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi said extremist elements had no connection with Islam and stressed the need for unity within the Muslim community.

Participants also called for the Paigham-e-Pakistan narrative to be made part of the national curriculum. Several speakers said the establishment of the peace committee had discouraged extremist elements and expressed confidence that Pakistan would emerge as a cradle of peace.