A Pakistani cleric, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said forced marriages and conversions to Islam were against the tenets and teachings of Islam.
He said the honor and status bestowed on women by the Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) is unmatched anywhere else.
He further stated Islam is the protector of the rights of minorities and responsible to ensure the protection of the rights of every Pakistani living in the country.
Ashrafi, who is the Special aide to Pakistan Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East said this while addressing, ‘National Interfaith Women Conference’ held under the aegis of Church of Pakistan and Interfaith Harmony Councils.
He urged minorities living in Pakistan not be intimidated as the state will stop those who try to harm them.
Ashrafi, who is also Pakistan Ulema Council chairman while responding to a question, said killing of any non-Muslim or damaging their property has nothing to do with Islam. The killer of a non-Muslim doctor who was killed in Peshawar has been arrested.
Elements accomplice in terrorism and extremism activities in the name of Islam are not making any service to Islam and are not friends of Islam.
“The sanctity of all religions and holy places of all the schools of thought must be respected”, he said adding that government was in constant coordination with human rights organizations and NGOs with objectives to invite them to seek solution on different issues through dialogue.
“Some conspiring forces misuse social media to fan unrest and anarchy in Pakistan,” he said. Adding tht endeavors were being made to restrict misuse of blasphemy law.
Ashrafi urged Human Rights Organizations and NGOs to come forward and play positive role for promotion of interfaith harmony.
He said Interfaith Harmony Councils are being organized at Union Councils level. At the behest of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Human Rights is working together to improve situation.
