Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, has said that the Muslim world has the potential to unite and cooperate in a manner similar to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi emphasized the importance of unity and collective efforts among Muslim countries. He said that the Islamic world could work together more effectively if countries focused on common interests and strengthened cooperation among themselves. Ashrafi said that religious scholars have an important role to play in safeguarding Pakistan and promoting peace, stability and unity within society. According to him, the role of the ulema is particularly important at a time when the country faces various social, political and security challenges. He stressed that religious scholars should contribute to strengthening harmony among people and discouraging divisions based on sectarian, political or social differences. He said that unity and consensus were essential for the stability and progress of Pakistan. The Pakistan Ulema Council chairman also spoke about the registration of religious seminaries across the country. He said that around 22,000 seminaries had already completed their registration. He described the development as an important step toward bringing religious institutions into a more organized framework. Ashrafi maintained that cooperation between the government, religious scholars and religious institutions could help address several challenges facing the country. He said that seminaries and their scholars could play a constructive role in promoting education, social responsibility and national cohesion. Referring to the wider Muslim world, Ashrafi suggested that Islamic countries could establish stronger mechanisms for collective cooperation. He pointed to NATO as an example of countries working together for shared security and strategic interests. In his view, Muslim-majority countries also have the potential to develop stronger cooperation if they demonstrate unity and mutual understanding. He said that the Muslim world possesses significant human, economic and strategic resources, but greater coordination is needed to make these strengths more effective. Cooperation among Muslim countries, he added, could help them address common challenges and protect their collective interests. Ashrafi further emphasized that Pakistan’s stability depends not only on government institutions but also on the positive contribution of religious scholars and other segments of society. He called on the ulema to continue playing their role in promoting peace, tolerance and national unity. He reiterated that the Pakistan Ulema Council believes in unity and consensus rather than division. According to him, differences of opinion can exist, but they should not become a source of conflict or weaken the country. The remarks come amid continuing discussions about the role of religious institutions and scholars in Pakistan’s social and national affairs. The registration of seminaries has remained an important issue, particularly in relation to regulation, documentation and the integration of religious education with broader national objectives. Ashrafi’s comments also highlight the importance of cooperation among Muslim countries at a time when the Islamic world faces a range of political, economic and security challenges. He argued that greater unity could provide Muslim countries with a stronger collective voice in international affairs. Concluding his remarks, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi reaffirmed his belief in unity, cooperation and consensus. He said that religious scholars, educational institutions and ordinary citizens all have a role to play in strengthening Pakistan and promoting harmony across society.
