Sharif asks religious scholars to play role in abolishing extremism

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has asked religious scholars to play their role in eliminating extremism from society.

Addressing the National Seerat Conference in Lahore today, Sharif said the way forward to fight this menace lies in the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

Asserting Islam to be a religion of peace and tolerance, he said that certain elements by spreading anarchy and bloodshed have distorted this very image.

Sharif said the hideouts of the terrorists have almost been eliminated due to the efforts and sacrifices of the national leadership, religious scholars, armed forces and police.

Sharif was quoted by Radio Pakistan, as saying that it is now the responsibility of the religious scholars to reestablish the link between Islam and peace by taking guidance from the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet.

Citing respect for humanity and human life to be an integral part of Islamic teachings, Sharif said holy Prophet Muhammad in fact laid the foundation of a society based on high moral values.

He said reviving these very values and norms in the daily life and conduct is the responsibility of all Muslims as they were the heirs of the last prophet.

Sharif said the first written constitution in the form of the Misaq-e-Madina and also the first charter of human rights was given by the last prophet in his last Hajj Sermon.

He added that the two documents served as a beacon of light for people to develop relations with followers of other faiths and religions.