ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Religious Affairs and Pakistan Diaspora in Middle East and Muslim Countries, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi on Tuesday said that women could not be deprived of their right to vote.
“Pakistan Ulema Council had already issued a Fatwa (religious decree) affirming the legality of voting, with specific arrangements in place for women to exercise their voting rights. He clarified that Pakistan had separate polling stations and staff to facilitate women voters, ensuring their participation in the democratic process,” he said while addressing a press conference on Tuesday.
Addressing recent discussions on social media regarding the Shariah status of voting, Tahir Ashrafi underscored that voting was not only a civic duty but also a testimony, asserting, “If the testimony is known, it is a crime not to give it.”
Ashrafi urged all citizens to actively engage in the electoral process. He emphasized the importance of assessing candidates based on their abilities, love and loyalty to the country while casting votes.
He reiterated that voting was a fundamental duty of every citizen, emphasizing the significance of democracy and urging all eligible voters to fulfill their civic responsibility on the election day.
Ashrafi mentioned that in a significant diplomatic development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held talks with Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir.
He said the meeting concluded with a commitment to continue dialogue and cooperation on regional issues with both Pakistan and Iran reaffirming their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
Supporting the joint statement issued following the meeting, Ashrafi emphasized the collective responsibility of all nations in combating terrorism, labeling it as a global menace that requires a unified approach.
Regarding escalating situation in Palestine, he raised concerns over Israel’s oppressive measures and reiterated the importance of Muslim unity in addressing such issues, emphasizing the need for solidarity within the Muslim Ummah.
Highlighting the domestic front, Tahir Ashrafi called for political leadership to come together and resolve internal challenges through dialogue and consensus-building.
He emphasized the importance of upholding democracy and justice within the country.