Ulemas are playing vital role in the promotion of peace: Shams Mehmood Mirza

Lahore: Minister Law Punjab Shams Mehmood Mirza has said that Ulema and Mashaikh and representatives of the world religions are playing their vital role in the promotion of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and religious harmony in the country but Ulema would have to work more for ensuring forbearance, acceptance and religious coexistence in the society.

The Minister expressed these views while addressing at Universal Peace Conference at a local hotel here today. The conference was addressed by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Minister for Minority Affairs Jamshaid Rahmatullah, Dr. Jan Malik, Al-Shaikh Badar Tayyabi, Allama Zubair Zahir, Allama Niaz Hussain Naqvi, Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Sardar Bishan Singh, Dr. Lief Hetland, Chairman Global Mission Awareness and other religious scholars also addressed. Shams Mehmood Mirza said that Pakistan is facing serious challenges of terrorism, security issues, law and order crisis. However, maintenance of peace is essential for the progress of the country, he added. He said that only peace and tranquility would help promote economic and trade activities, increase investment and generate job opportunities in the country. He said that Ulema should play a proactive role in maintaining an atmosphere of peace, brotherhood and harmony in the society. He said that Ulema should include the importance of tolerance and forbearance in their Juma sermons. The Minister said that the role of media is of really great importance and must bear responsibility in ensuring that they display a true image of religious issues. He said that media has a great power in Pakistan and it stands as an evidence of freedom and democracy and they need to be fully aware of this daunting responsibility.

The Minister said that holding of free, fair and impartial elections is a national responsibility of the caretaker government which would be fulfilled. An impartial bureaucratic team is being formed in the province to ensure holding of transparent general elections, he concluded.