Lahore: In a landmark initiative, prominent Islamic scholars and leaders from across Pakistan have come together to form a coalition advocating for the abolition of the death penalty and the prevention of the misuse of blasphemy laws. The coalition seeks to promote justice, peace, and human rights while fostering inter-sect harmony and protecting vulnerable communities.
The coalition brings together leading religious figures including Maulana Asim Makhdoum, Chairman of the All-Sect Ullema Board and Chief Imam of Masjid Kubra Samanabad; Allama Syed Ghulam Abbas Sherazi, Chairman of Seerat Interfaith Foundation; Allama Muhammad Hussain Golarvi, Chairman of Spiritual Forum Pakistan; Hafiz Nauman Hamid Jalandhari, member of the Lahore Peace Committee and Secretary Wafiq Ul Madaris Al-Arbia (Deobandi); Moulvi Abdul Mustafa Chishti, Head of Darul Uloom Ghosia Zia Ul Quran and Peace Committee member DC; Allama Muhammad Mehmood Ghaznavi, Chairman of Qoumi Aman Committee Pakistan; Hafiz Ahmed Saqlain Mustafa, Secretary General Zia Ul Quran; and Syed Hassan Raza Hamdani, President Punjab Mutahida Majlis Wahidat Ul Muslimeen.
This coalition was formed by Redemption Pakistan, and its Director Aroon Arthur highlighted the importance of religious guidance in advocacy for people on death row. He emphasized that Redemption’s work often requires Islamic perspectives to protect the innocent and referenced two prior cases where the coalition was instrumental in requesting fatwas against un-Islamic sentences. “Forming this group is crucial for the prosperity of Pakistan and the protection of its people,” Arthur said.
Senior journalist Hasnain Tirmzi, present at the meeting, underscored the urgency of addressing false cases against Pakistan’s youth. “The fake cases being implicated on the young generation of Pakistan must be stopped, and the Government should play its serious part in this,” he stated.
Allama Muhammad Hussain Golarvi added, “We are with what is right, and we always put forward and support actions in accordance with true Islamic values.”
Maulana Asim Makhdoum further emphasized, “We are always available to help our Pakistani people and promote true Islamic values. We want Pakistan to prosper.”
The coalition aims to engage policymakers, legal experts, and civil society to propose reforms, conduct awareness campaigns, and promote dialogue across communities. This initiative represents a historic step toward promoting human rights, justice, and social harmony in Pakistan.
