Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday chaired a meeting of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, attended by prominent religious scholars from all schools of thought and leaders of minority communities.
The committee lauded the chief minister for what it described as exemplary arrangements during Muharram and expressed appreciation for the Punjab government’s initiatives for religious scholars, observance of Eid, Muharram and minority festivals. It also paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements and the success of Marka-i-Haq, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting social harmony, religious tolerance and interfaith cohesion.
Addressing the meeting, CM Punjab said the role of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee in countering terrorism and extremism was commendable, adding that the participation of leading religious scholars and minority representatives reflected unity and confidence.
She said minorities in Punjab enjoyed a sense of security due to the provincial government’s policies and stressed that no discrimination was being practised against them. She maintained that provincial laws were enforced strictly against criminals, not ordinary citizens, and that preventing violations of law was essential to safeguarding all schools of thought.
The chief minister praised Home Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, provincial ministers Bilal Yasin and Shafay Hussain, the inspector general of police, the home secretary and other officials for their efforts in maintaining law and order. She also said reforms beyond the existing legal framework had been introduced in the prison system. Referring to Muharram security arrangements, Chief Minster Punjab paid tribute to Punjab Police personnel for performing duties for up to 18 hours in extreme heat, saying their commitment reflected exemplary professionalism. She emphasised that coordinated standard operating procedures and guidelines should govern the observance of religious rituals. She said Pakistan was proud of the success achieved under the leadership of its civil and military authorities during Marka-i-Haq, adding that the country earned respect.
