Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shahbaz said on Saturday the ulema must actively promote religious harmony and tolerance.
He was talking to a delegation of ulema from Sargodha at Model Town.
The delegation included Mufti Tahir Masood, Mufti Shahid Masood, Qari Abdul Waheed, Qari Ahmed Ali Nadeem, Qari Waqar Ahmed, Maulana Javed Qadri, Maulana Abdullah Saeed Hashmi, Mian Muhammad Ilyas, Mian Munir Ahmed and Mian Anwar Khursheed. MNA Hamid Hameed was also present on the occasion.
Shahbaz said those involved in the Rawalpindi sectarian riots would be arrested and brought to justice.
“It is the duty of every person in the society to advise their children and other people to shun religious extremism and sectarianism,” he said.
He said although the situation had improved due to the commendable role of the ulema, they needed to do more.
“After the Rawalpindi tragedy, religious leaders of all schools of thought have played a commendable role in stopping sectarian violence,” he said.
He urged the delegation to not forget their role in maintaining sectarian harmony.
Shahbaz said the ulema could play a key role in promoting peace and brotherhood by activating peace committees.
He praised the ulema of all sects for helping the government control the law and order situation in Sargodha in the wake of the sectarian riots last week.
“Sargodha is my second home because the people of the city elected Nawaz Sharif,” he said.
He said several development projects had been planned for the city. He said work on these projects would be started soon.
Earlier, the delegates discussed their proposals for promoting religious harmony and stressed the need for activating peace committees.
Shahbaz assured the ulema that the senior leadership of PML-N would be taken into confidence for implementing their proposals and accepting their demands.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 24th, 2013.