National unity thwarts divisive agendas, Pakistan stands firm on Kashmir: Ashrafi

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2026) Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Allama Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has declared national unity the strongest defense against internal discord and external pressures, and said that Pakistan had emerged stronger through the collective resolve of its people, armed forces and religious leadership.

Addressing an Inter-Sect Harmony Seminar here on Sunday, he reaffirmed unwavering support for Kashmir and warned against attempts to fuel sectarian divisions and instability in the country.

He termed “Maarka-e-Haq” as the greatest victory of this century and said that the success reflected the unity and resilience of Pakistani nation.

He paid tribute to the Pak armed forces and national leadership particularly Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their role in safeguarding national interests and strengthening Pakistan’s position during challenging circumstances.

He said that recent regional developments had once again highlighted the importance of national cohesion and collective wisdom.

Referring to tensions in the middle East and attacks on Iran, Tahir Ashrafi said that Pakistan’s Shia and Sunni scholars had demonstrated exemplary unity by jointly condemning aggression and rejecting efforts to exploit regional conflicts for creating sectarian unrest within the country.

“The enemies of islam want to divide Muslim Ummah but religious leadership of Pakistan has consistently stood for unity, tolerance and mutual respect”, he said, adding that the scholars from different schools of thought had unanimously declared any insult to the Khulafa-e-Rashideen, Ummahat-ul-Momineen (May Allah be pleased with all of them) and all sacred personalities of Islam as forbidden in addition to emphasizing respect for the sanctities and beliefs of all Islamic traditions.

He said that the unity displayed by Pakistani scholars had foiled the attempts of creating divisions among Muslims and sent a strong message that religious harmony remained a national priority in Pakistan.

He stressed that Muslims across the world were united by their faith and shared values. However, mutual cooperation and understanding were imperative to confront the challenges being faced by the Muslim Ummah, he added.

Highlighting the significance of Muharram-ul-Haram, he called for strict implementation of “Paigham-e-Pakistan” narrative and the unanimously agreed code of conduct for religious gatherings.

He urged the religious scholars, preachers and speakers to exercise responsibility, restraint and tolerance in their sermons and public engagements.

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He warned that no one would be allowed to incite hatred or violate the agreed code of conduct. The law would take its course against those attempting to disturb peace and harmony, he added.

He said that maintaining unity during Muharram was a collective responsibility of scholars, community leaders and the public.

Paying tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him), he described him as a shared symbol of courage, sacrifice and steadfastness for the entire Muslim Ummah.

He said that the message of Imam Hussain (May Allah be pleased with him) was one of justice, resistance against oppression and unity among Muslims.

Turning to the Kashmir issue, Tahir Ashrafi said that Kashmir remained Pakistan’s jugular vein and relationship between Pakistan and Kashmiri people was historic, deep-rooted and unbreakable.

He said that Pakistan would continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiri people. Pakistan would also keep raising its voice for their constitutional, legal and human rights at every international forum, he added.

He said that a handful of individuals raising anti-Pakistan slogans could not be regarded as representatives of Kashmiri people.

He urged political, religious and social groups in Azad Jammu & Kashmir to resolve differences through dialogue and democratic engagement as violence, attacks on institutions and attempts to create instability could not serve any legitimate cause.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation in the Muslim world and said that the global community was viewing Pakistan with respect increasingly due to its efforts to encourage peaceful solutions to regional disputes.

He warned that some elements were attempting to exploit regional tensions to create sectarian divisions in Pakistan but such designs would fail in the face of national unity.

He called upon citizens to remain vigilant and urged the public to play an active role in defeating the agendas of those seeking to spread hatred and instability.

He said that safeguarding peace, promoting inter-sect harmony and strengthening national solidarity were essential for Pakistan’s continued progress and stability.

On the occasion, Pandit Bhagat Lal presented a Naat and recited poetry relating to Muharram-ul-Haram, drawing appreciation from the participants for promoting interfaith goodwill and harmony.

Religious scholars, community leaders and representatives of various schools of thought were also present in the seminar.