PUC to initiate reconciliation drive to foster political stability

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) on Tuesday announced the initiation of a comprehensive nationwide reconciliation drive in a bid to foster political stability and national unity. “By facilitating dialogue and reconciliation, the PUC intended to create a conducive environment for constructive engagement and cooperation among diverse stakeholders,” he said while addressing the press conference here Tuesday.

PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi also announced to observe Friday as ‘Pakistan Stability Day’ in a bid to foster national unity and combat the rising tide of social media-fueled discord and said the government should adopt proactive measures to address the proliferation of divisive content on digital platforms that threatens the cohesion of the nation.

The PUC chairman said the critical importance of bridging differences among political and religious factions to propel Pakistan towards progress and prosperity. He said that the PUC was initiating a mass contact campaign to mitigate the adverse effects of current polarisation and foster a culture of harmony and understanding through dialogue and constructive engagement across the nation. Ashrafi expressed hope that this initiative would promote peace, tolerance, and national cohesion, transcending ideological and political divides. The PUC chairman, while issuing a resolute call for justice and unity, said the tragic events of May 9, shook the nation with unrest and violence. He underscored the necessity of swift trials for the perpetrators to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

Ashrafi emphasized the paramount duty of leaders to educate their followers responsibly stressing that no one should be allowed to sow seeds of division between the Pakistan Army and the populace, regardless of the costs involved.

He acknowledged the arrest of politicians and religious figures in the past, yet highlighted their adherence to the legal processes, in stark contrast to the chaos witnessed on May 9. In this critical juncture, he made a clarion call for a united front against forces of discord and unrest.

Ashrafi commended the growing cooperation between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in the realms of economy and investment. He lauded the exchange of high-level delegations between the two nations, highlighting the potential for enhanced economic partnerships and mutual benefits.

Expressing optimism regarding the economic collaboration with Saudi Arabia, Ashrafi said it would serve as a catalyst for attracting investments from other Muslim countries