PUC issues ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct’ for Muharram  

LAHORE:  In a bid to ensure peace and religious harmony during Muharram, the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) has issued the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct, developed in consultation with religious scholars from various schools of thought and faiths. The code aims to curb extremism, sectarian violence, and terrorism during the sensitive month.

The code was announced under the chairmanship of Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council and President of the National Peace Council. It was finalized during a meeting held in Lahore, attended by prominent scholars representing different sects and religious traditions.

According to the council’s spokesperson, all scholars, preachers, orators, and religious figures are expected to strictly follow the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct. Any violation of the code will not be supported or endorsed, and full cooperation will be extended to the government and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace.

The meeting was attended by notable figures including Maulana Asad Ubaid, Maulana Asadullah Farooq, Maulana Abdul Hakeem Athar, Maulana Aslam Siddiqui, Qari Mubashir Rahimi, Qari Faisal Amin, Maulana Ashfaq Patafi, and many others.

During the session, the council strongly condemned the recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, calling them part of a wider agenda to implement the so-called “Greater Israel” plan. Iran was described as a neighboring and brotherly Islamic country, and it was asserted that Iran has the right under international law to defend its sovereignty and respond to aggression.

The council expressed support for efforts led by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Russia to de-escalate the situation and praised Pakistan’s official stance as reflective of the sentiments of its people and the broader Muslim world. Full solidarity was expressed with the Iranian government and people.

Furthermore, the council urged China, Russia, the European Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the United Nations to play an active role in stopping Israeli aggression and to work for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. The council also called for countering the destabilizing conspiracies of Israel and India.

Key Points from the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct:

1. Sectarian hatred, armed conflict, and the imposition of beliefs by force are against Islamic teachings and constitute a national and religious crime.
2. All sects and scholars in Pakistan unanimously reject extremism and radicalism in any form.
3. Respect for Prophets, the Companions of the Prophet (RA), the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the wives of the Prophet (RA), and the Ahl al-Bayt is an obligation. Any individual insulting these sacred personalities is condemned by all schools of thought and must be dealt with by the law.

1. It is the duty of scholars and jurists to educate people on the difference between correct and incorrect ideologies. Declaring anyone a disbeliever (Takfir) lies solely within the authority of the state and must be determined under Islamic law.
2. All non-Muslim citizens of Pakistan have the full constitutional right to practice their religion freely, including observing their festivals and worship in their respective places of worship. No individual, group, or organization may infringe upon these rights.
3. Non-Muslims living peacefully in an Islamic state must not be harmed. Any violations of Pakistan’s Constitution or laws must be addressed by the state through legal means.
4. Islam mandates the respect and protection of women’s rights, including their right to inheritance and education. These are fundamental responsibilities for all members of society.
5. During the months of Muharram and Safar, citizens are permitted to organize religious gatherings, conferences, and processions in accordance with the law. The sanctity of privacy and dignity should be strictly observed during all events.
6. Residents of neighborhoods, including followers of Ahl al-Bayt and companions of the Prophet (PBUH), must display mutual tolerance and vigilance against enemies of the state and religion. People from all sects should assist one another in peacefully observing religious occasions within legal and constitutional frameworks.
7. Scholars, speakers, and preachers from all schools of thought must work to unite the Muslim Ummah. Any individuals attempting to incite unrest or violence must be reported to the authorities immediately.
8. Preachers and scholars must only address followers of their respective sects, ensuring that no remarks are made that disrespect revered figures of other sects or insult the beliefs and principles of others.
9. All state and private media outlets are urged to widely promote the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct before, during, and after Muharram. Any content on social, electronic, or print media that incites hatred must be dealt with swiftly by relevant government authorities.

The PUC affirmed that scholars from all religious schools of thought will continue to fully cooperate with the government and state institutions to eliminate extremism, terrorism, and intolerance for the sake of national peace and stability.

Under the banner of “Azm-e-Istehkam-e-Pakistan,” the council urged the government and all political and religious parties to adopt a unified policy aimed at establishing peace, eliminating terrorism, and ensuring economic stability.

The PUC also announced plans to hold nationwide conventions of scholars and religious leaders and appealed to both federal and provincial governments for full cooperation in promoting peace and interfaith harmony during the holy month of Muharram.