Secretary and Chief Administrator of Auqaf and Religious Affairs Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta has emphasized that the teachings of Sufi saints and the constructive role of religious scholars are indispensable to promoting peace, love, interfaith harmony and unity among Muslims. He said scholars and spiritual leaders could make a meaningful contribution to national cohesion, Pakistan’s stability, tolerance and humanitarian values by discharging their religious and social responsibilities effectively.
He expressed these views while addressing a seminar titled “The Role of Minbar and Mehrab and Our Responsibilities,” organized by the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department Punjab at Aiwan-e-Auqaf, Lahore, and a separate seminar on Sufism at Jamia Hajveria, Hazrat Mian Mir Complex, Lahore. The seminar at Aiwan-e-Auqaf commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Muhammad Ahmad, followed by a Naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Hafiz Umar bin Abdul Aziz.
Prominent scholars and religious leaders representing various schools of thought attended the event, which focused on interfaith harmony, unity among Muslims, national stability and the promotion of the message of Pakistan.
Dr. Bhutta observed that the pulpit and the mehrab are vital platforms for moral and intellectual guidance, capable of spreading the values of brotherhood, moderation, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. He urged religious scholars to foster unity, encourage constructive dialogue and resolve differences through mutual understanding, stressing that collective efforts across all schools of thought were essential to strengthening national solidarity and social harmony.
