Metro53 - Lahore (Web Desk) — Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, has stated that no Pakistani wants relations with Afghanistan to deteriorate.
Addressing the Ittehad-e-Ummat conference at Jamia Munawar Islamia, Lahore Cantt, he emphasized that Pakistanis also do not want Afghan territory used against Pakistan. He prayed for successful negotiations with the Afghan interim government and urged Afghan authorities and scholars to recognize that harming innocent children and women is not jihad but a grave sin and crime.
Tahir Ashrafi highlighted the ongoing restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, stating that Eid prayers have not been held there in 36 days. Following the Iranian attack, Israel prevented Eid prayers—a situation not seen since 1967. He stressed that conflicts should not arise among Iran and the Islamic world.
Commenting on regional diplomacy, Ashrafi said that Pakistan’s efforts, along with Asim Munir and Shahbaz Sharif, were aimed at preventing war. He criticized baseless rumors spread by rogue YouTubers, which tarnish Pakistan’s image.
He added that Iran’s president tweeted “Long Live Pakistan,” and although the Saudi foreign minister visited Pakistan, propaganda falsely claimed otherwise. “At Pakistan’s request, Saudi Arabia did not respond to Iran,” he clarified. Pakistan maintains brotherly ties with the UAE, and financial agreements with other nations are often misrepresented to create false perceptions of strained relations.
Ashrafi noted that Pakistan addressed misunderstandings with the UAE through the National Peace Committee’s code of conduct, and prior attacks on Pakistan from Afghanistan were instigated by Israel and India to prevent diplomacy. Currently, both Iran and Saudi Arabia praise Pakistan. He warned that the two billion Muslims are united to protect the holy sites and sent a clear message to India: Pakistan seeks peace but will respond strongly to any aggression.
He concluded that Pakistan’s role is to promote peace, continue diplomatic efforts, and ensure stability. “When peace prevails, the economy improves, and inflation decreases,” he said.
