GUJRANWALA: Speakers at a seminar on Friday called for concrete measures to counter the growing radical narratives, adding that extremism poses a serious threat to peace, stability, social harmony and economic as well as social development of the country.
The one-day event titled “International Mehfil-e-Husan-e-Qiraat” organised by the government as part of the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative at Dargah Hazrat Abu al Biyan, was attended by a large number of students, ulema and notables of the city.
Rafiq Ahmad Mujaddadi presided over the ceremony, while Shaikh Abdus Samee Saadni from Egypt, Shaikh Jawad al Hussani from Iran, Shaikh Darween Chaseewan from Indonesia, Qari Sadaqat Ali, Khadim Mujaddadi, Arif Mujaddadi and Syed Arif Raza participated as guests of honour.
In his keynote address, Rouet-e-Hilal Committee UK Chairman Allama Zafar Mehmood Firashvi shed light on the role of Paigham-e-Pakistan in the eradication of extremism and terrorism and establishment of peace in the society.
Discussing a broad range of challenges being faced by Pakistan in the line of preventing and countering violent extremism, he also focused on the ways and means to counter radicalisation and disengagement, particularly of the youth.
Emphasising the critical role Madaris and ulema can play in countering violent extremism, Firashvi called for an exerted effort to engage Madaris youth in constructive activities besides providing them ample opportunities to build their careers and grow, which will eventually generate hope among them as well as address the social, political and economic injustices and grievances.
Addressing the seminar, Rafiq Ahmad Mujaddadi said Paigham-e-Pakistan was a historic and comprehensive document which would go a long way in the eradication of militancy, extremism and sectarianism and establishment of peace and tranquility in the society.
“The institution of mosque should be strengthened. The mosque should act as a centre of training for the youth,” Mujaddadi said, adding that those criticising the religious seminaries are oblivious of the fact that these Madaris are providing shelter, food and education to hundreds of thousands of poor children.
He also called upon religious scholars to forge unity among their ranks. “Ulema and masses got united in Bangladesh for the sake of development of their country, which resulted in growth and progress there,” he said, adding that extremism can bring no good to anyone.
Mujaddadi also said Madaris must inculcate values of tolerance, tranquility and pluralism among youth to promote peaceful coexistence. “While our armed forces are safeguarding the geographical borders of the country, the Madaris must play their role to secure the ideological borders,” he said.
Other speakers called for collective efforts by state institutions, religious and political groups, Madaris and the civil society within the ambit of the constitution to cleanse Pakistan of the menaces of extremism and terrorism.
