Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, mutual respect, responsible leadership and a shared national purpose. In an increasingly polarised world, lasting peace cannot be secured through legislation alone, instead it requires dialogue, trust and collective ownership, where diversity is viewed as a source of strength rather than division.

It is with this vision that Pakistan established the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC), a national platform that brings together religious scholars, spiritual leaders, representatives of every school of thought, leaders of minority faiths and state institutions to promote peace, religious harmony and national unity.

The participation of Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other faith leaders alongside Muslim scholars reflects Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony and inclusive nation-building. More than a committee, NPAC has evolved into a practical framework for conflict prevention, confidence-building and social cohesion.

At a time when many societies continue to grapple with extremism, intolerance and identity-based polarisation, Pakistan has demonstrated that consensus among religious leadership remains one of its greatest strengths.

The National Paigham-e-Aman Committee represents that consensus through an inclusive approach that extends beyond inter-sect harmony to embrace interfaith understanding, reinforcing constitutional protections and equal respect for all communities.

The NPAC was founded on the principle that sustainable peace can only be achieved when religious leadership, government institutions, civil society and citizens work together with a shared sense of responsibility.

That vision has translated into practical outcomes. For the first time in Pakistan’s contemporary history, scholars representing all major schools of thought unanimously endorsed the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct for Muharram-ul-Haram.

The code rejects sectarian violence, terrorism, hate speech, religious vigilantism and the misuse of religion for political or ideological violence. It reaffirms the sanctity of revered Islamic personalities, emphasises constitutional rights, protects religious minorities and underscores that differences in jurisprudence must never become a source of hostility. Its greatest achievement lies not only in the document itself, but in the unprecedented consensus supporting it.

Recognising that peace depends upon implementation rather than declarations, the NPAC transformed the code into a nationwide movement through continuous engagement with scholars, mosque leaders, educational institutions, provincial administrations and security agencies.

Conferences, seminars and dialogue forums across Pakistan have strengthened confidence among communities and established mechanisms for resolving tensions before they escalate. One of the committee’s most demanding responsibilities has been preserving peace during Muharram-ul-Haram.

Religious scholars from every school of thought jointly reaffirmed their commitment to the code of conduct and pledged cooperation in ensuring the peaceful observance of Majalis, processions and Friday congregations.

Peace seminars held across the country reinforced the values of mutual respect, patience and restraint, while a nationwide Muharram Helpline, launched in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, provincial governments and law-enforcement agencies, enabled citizens to report attempts to incite violence or sectarian hatred.

The NPAC has also developed a strong partnership with state institutions through regular consultations with the Ministry of Interior, provincial governments, law-enforcement agencies and security institutions, creating an effective mechanism for conflict prevention and crisis management.

Looking ahead, the NPAC seeks to expand provincial and district peace committees, strengthen youth engagement, counter online extremism through digital literacy, deepen interfaith dialogue, empower women as ambassadors of peace and enhance cooperation with religious and academic institutions worldwide.

Building on Pakistan’s experience of fostering national consensus, the NPAC aspires to position the country as a global centre for dialogue among civilisations and faith communities. The NPAC stands as a testament to what Pakistan can achieve when scholars, institutions and citizens unite around shared values.

 

The writer is Prime Minister’s Coordinator for the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee & Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema CounciLatest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneHafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood AshrafiRead More