PU launches campaign against religious hatred

LAHORE:Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) in collaboration with Punjab University has launched a campaign against religious hatred, aiming to create awareness among the youth in the context of blasphemy laws and their social responsibilities.

In this regard, an awareness seminar was held at the auditorium of PU Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre on the topic of 'Blasphemy Law and our Social Responsibilities'. Former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed, PU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood, President Lahore High Court Bar Association Asad Manzoor Butt, Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies Prof Dr M Hammad Lakhvi, Director Co-ordination PHEC Dr Rana Tanveer Qasim, Director Students Affairs Dr M Ali Kalasra, faculty members and a large number of students were present.

In his address, Dr Khalid Mahmood said that it was the responsibility of teachers and universities to educate society. Aneeq Ahmed said that the tricks of the devils of every age were different which could not be recognised without knowledge. He said that there was a difference between criticism, contempt and humiliation and blasphemy under the guise of freedom of expression was not allowed at all.

Asad Manzoor Butt said that there were certain limits of love and emotions through which civilized society could be formed only by observing them. He said that the blasphemy laws were being misused in Pakistan, which caused the country to be ridiculed at the international level.

Dr Tanveer Qasim said that Islam has a comprehensive law for all of humanity. Unfortunately, he said, anti-Islamic elements were spreading videos, cartoons and pictures insulting Islam, Islamic rites, Prophet of Islam and holy persons through social media.

Prof Dr Hammad Lakhvi said that growing divisions in society were fueling hatred, extremism and religious hatred. He said that training was very important to reduce religious hatred and understand the beauty of disagreement.

Dr M Ali Kalasra said that PU will play its role to eradicate extremism. Later, a tree plantation campaign was also kicked off at Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre.