The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Monday issued a comprehensive Paigham-e-Pakistan code of conduct aimed at ensuring peace, religious harmony, and national unity during the holy month of Muharram.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting chaired by PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, which brought together scholars, clerics, and preachers from all schools of thought.
The Council emphasised that religious scholars and speakers must strictly adhere to the code, which focuses on eliminating extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism. It also underlined the need for unity among the Ummah and mutual respect for differing beliefs, especially in sermons and public gatherings.
“All religious scholars and preachers must avoid targeting others’ beliefs and should work to strengthen inter-sectarian unity,” the statement said. It also reiterated that non-Muslim citizens in Pakistan have full rights to practice their faith, in accordance with the Constitution.
The meeting pledged full cooperation with the government and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order throughout Muharram.
On the global front, the PUC strongly condemned the Israeli and U.S. attack on Iran, declaring that Iran has the right to respond under international law. The Council also endorsed the Pakistani government's stance on the issue, stating it reflects the sentiment of the people of Pakistan and the broader Islamic world.
Furthermore, the Council called on the United Nations to take immediate action to halt Israeli aggression and demanded the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state.
The Council urged religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance, and unity, and warned against the spread of extremist ideologies, regardless of sect or background.