In a bid to foster awareness and combat religious intolerance, Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC), in collaboration with the University of Punjab (PU), initiated a campaign aimed at educating youth about the blasphemy laws and their social responsibilities.
A seminal seminar titled ‘Blasphemy Law and our Social Responsibilities’ was convened at the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center auditorium, organized by PU Directorate of Students Affairs, Committee for Awareness Against Religious Hatred, and PHEC. Distinguished guests including former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed, PU Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Mahmood, President of Lahore High Court Bar Association Asad Manzoor Butt, and Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hammad Lakhvi graced the occasion, alongside faculty members and a throng of students.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Khalid Mahmood emphasized the pivotal role of education institutions in dispelling ignorance prevalent in society. He underscored the importance of accurate information dissemination and urged social media experts to take up the mantle of promoting awareness.
Former Federal Minister Aneeq Ahmed delineated the fine line between criticism and blasphemy, stressing the necessity of understanding the laws to prevent incidents akin to those in Jaranwala and Sialkot. He lauded the efforts of the campaign in fostering religious harmony and cautioned against hidden agendas aimed at abolishing blasphemy laws.
Asad Manzoor Butt highlighted the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which tarnishes the nation’s image globally. He advocated for responsible use of digital platforms and reiterated the need for adherence to legal protocols in addressing blasphemy cases.
Dr. Tanveer Qasim condemned the dissemination of derogatory content targeting Islam and its revered figures through social media channels. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of educational institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies to uphold social responsibilities.
In concurrence, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hammad Lakhvi emphasized the importance of bridging societal divides to curb extremism and religious animosity. Dr. Muhammad Ali Kalasra affirmed PU’s commitment to combat extremism and promote a culture of tolerance.
The seminar concluded with the initiation of a tree plantation campaign at Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center, spearheaded by the Aghaz-e-Sahar Green Community, symbolizing a collective commitment to nurturing peace and harmony in society.
The collaborative efforts of Punjab University and PHEC in launching this campaign signal a proactive stance towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society, where respect for diverse beliefs and adherence to legal frameworks prevail.
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