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Punjab minister urges scholars to promote peace, tolerance and counter extremism

LAHORE: Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique said on Sunday that our beloved Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) won people’s hearts through wisdom, kindness, and exemplary character.

He said this while addressing a conference of religious scholars and spiritual leaders organized by the Center of Excellence for Countering Extremism under the Punjab Home department, said a handout issued here.

The minister said, “The Holy Quran teaches us politeness, justice, and respect even in disagreement.”

He said that holding such an intellectual and national dialogue on an extremely sensitive, important, and timely topic was highly commendable.

He stated that the establishment of peace has become a fundamental necessity not only for Pakistan but for the entire world.

He said, “Although this is an era of progress, information, and technology, it is also increasingly becoming an age of intellectual disorder, hateful attitudes, intolerance, religious extremism, and social division.”

In such circumstances, the responsibilities of religious scholars and spiritual leaders become even greater, he added.

He further stated that hateful narratives act as deadly poison for the peace, stability, and collective consciousness of any society.

The minister said, “There is a need today to make pulpits, religious schools, media, and educational institutions a source of promoting positive narratives.”

He further said that state institutions were fulfilling their responsibilities, but true social reform would only be possible when scholars, teachers, parents, and opinion leaders promote love, moderation, and intellectual balance.

Khawaja Salman Rafique cited the State of Madinah as the best example, where people of different tribes and religions lived together in peace and justice under a collective agreement.

He further said that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees all citizens religious freedom, protection of life and property, and equal rights.

He said, “Minorities living in the country are an equal part of this homeland, and protecting their rights is not only a constitutional obligation but also an Islamic duty.”

The Home department reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with all relevant institutions, religious scholars, spiritual leaders, civil society, and media to eliminate extremism, hate speech, sectarianism and violence.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi presented the joint declaration of the Scholars and Spiritual Leaders Conference.

He stated, “The Punjab government is spreading the message of eliminating extremism and promoting tolerance.”

He informed the participants that the conference attendees strongly endorsed the 22 points of the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” initiative.

He further stated that conference participants agreed that irresponsible use of social media could not be allowed under any circumstances, and everyone must play their role in this regard.

The conference was attended and addressed by The National Counter Terrorism Authority National Coordinator Jawad Ahmad Dogar,

National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA) Chairman Dr Khurshid Nadeem and others.

The purpose of the conference was to promote peace, counter extremism, and foster interfaith harmony.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.