LAHORE:
The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has launched a campaign in collaboration with the Punjab University against religious hatred by creating awareness among the youth about the blasphemy laws and their social responsibilities.
Addressing a seminar organised in this regard, PU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood said the eradication of ignorance was not possible until the people were aware of the laws. He said that obtaining correct information and avoiding wrong information was the solution to the problem, for which social media experts had to be prepared. Appreciating the awareness campaign against religious hatred, he said everyone had to help form a society that could fight conspiracies against Muslims.
Former minister Aneeq Ahmed said that the tricks of evil forces could not be recognised without knowledge. He said that there is a difference between criticism, contempt and humiliation, and blasphemy under the guise of freedom of expression is not allowed at all. He said that awareness about laws is necessary to prevent incidents like those witnessed in Jaranwala and Sialkot. He said doors of mosques in Jaranwala had bene opened for Christians, which is the best example of religious harmony. He said that unseen forces were playing a behind-the-scenes role to abolish the blasphemy laws, “but we will not allow this to happen”.
Lahore High Court Bar Association President Asad Manzoor Butt said there are certain limits of love and emotions and a civilised society can be formed only by observing them.
He said the blasphemy laws were being misused in Pakistan, which affected the country’s image. He said that digital devices should be used with appropriate care. He said the authorities should be informed about incidents of blasphemy for action under the laws.
PHEC Coordination Director Dr Rana Tanveer Qasim said that Islam has a comprehensive law for all the humanity. Unfortunately, anti-Islam elements are spreading videos, cartoons and pictures insulting the religion and holy persons through social media.
He said the Pakistan Higher Education Commission, provincial HEC, universities, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the FIA and other authorities would work together to highlight social responsibilities in this regard in the light of instructions of the higher judiciary.
He said the harmful effects of social media on the society were becoming a cause of great concern and there was an urgent need for awareness in all sections of the society to prevent its misuse.
Islamic Studies Dean Dr Muhammad Hammad Lakhvi said growing divisions in society are fueling extremism and religious hatred. He said that training is very important to reduce religious hatred and understand the beauty of disagreement.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 26th, 2024.
