At Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference, PM Shehbaz call on religious scholars to promote unity, tolerance and peace

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the religious scholars to play their role in promoting unity, brotherhood and peace in society in line with the teachings and character of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Addressing the annual International Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said that the scholars had an important role in guiding society and protecting people, particularly the younger generation, from extremism, sectarian divisions and deceptive ideologies.

PM Shehbaz urged scholars to highlight the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings of patience, tolerance, forgiveness, compassion and constructive dialogue. Differences in scholarly opinions, he stressed, should never be allowed to turn into disputes or weaken unity among Muslims.

PM Shehbaz said special attention was required to shape the moral character and values of the younger generation by drawing inspiration from the noble life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

He appreciated the National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA) for preparing a detailed framework aimed at achieving this objective.

The premier said that the framework had already been put into practice in Islamabad, while provincial governments were also undertaking measures to follow the same approach.

PM Shehbaz observed that the youth generation is facing numerous challenges, including extremist thinking, sectarianism and misleading narratives.

He stressed that their concerns should be answered through wisdom and knowledge, while they should also be provided with a strong understanding of Islamic heritage along with contemporary education.

PM Shehbaz asserted that the new generation of scholars being trained in religious seminaries should be distinguished by strong moral character and integrity, and, upon assuming responsibilities at the pulpit, should promote the message of unity among the nation in the light of Uswa-e-Hasna.

The prime minister added that the Seerat of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) carries a universal message of mercy, peace and compassion.

He said the world needed to understand that the Prophet’s (PBUH) life and teachings offered a foundation for establishing peace across the globe.

The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s initiatives aimed at supporting peace in the region and strengthening solidarity within the Muslim Ummah.

PM Shehbaz particularly acknowledged the role played by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in these efforts.

He said hostile forces had attempted to exploit differences among Muslims in the Middle East, weaken their collective strength and fuel hatred. However, he said, such attempts could not succeed due to the unlimited grace and blessings of Allah Almighty.

PM Shehbaz described the Makkah Defence Agreement as a major achievement resulting from these efforts toward unity and peace.

He also recalled the support extended by Turkiye and Saudi Arabia to Pakistan during the war in May last year, saying both countries had stood firmly beside Pakistan during that difficult period.

PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan’s close and historic relations with the two brotherly nations would continue to deepen and become stronger.

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, while addressing the gathering, encouraged young people to take guidance from the life and teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

He said the Seerat of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) provided a complete framework for the betterment of individuals, families, communities and states. It promotes discipline, shared responsibility, kindness and a spirit of sacrifice, he added.

Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad and Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology Maulana Raghib Hussain Naeemi were among the prominent religious scholars who also spoke at the conference.

The scholars called on young people to make the teachings and exemplary conduct of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) a guiding principle in their lives to achieve success in this world as well as the hereafter.

On this occasion, PM Shehbaz also presented awards and prizes to writers in recognition of their contributions to literature related to Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH).