While the Constitution of Pakistan categorically defines the rights of Muslims and non-Muslims in the country, The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) criticised those who tried creating a controversy out of the construction of a Hindu temple in Islamabad and has extended support for its construction.
Here are five components of the story:
- “We denounce the controversy over construction of the temple. This [making it controversial] by extremist clerics is not correct,” said Hafiz Mohammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, the chairman of PUC. “PUC will call a meeting and will also present its point of view to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII),” he added.
- All non-Muslims have the right to have their own place of worship and offer a life as per their faith and tradition as per the Constitution of Pakistan and Sharia. “Those opposing the construction of the temple have an incorrect interpretation of Sharia,” said Ashrafi.
- The PUC chief also believes that strict action should be taken against elements who coin blasphemy allegations against their opponents in pursuit of their vested interests since non-Muslim population of Pakistan has been playing a very positive in stabilizing the country.
- “PUC in coordination with the World Peace Council, will soon host a convention in Islamabad which will be attended by representatives of different religious schools of thought and religions,” said Ashrafi.
- PUC has always raised its voice against violence that the non-Muslim sections are subjected to. It has also stood up for interfaith harmony in Pakistan.