Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Coordinator of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, stated on Wednesday that a comprehensive national strategy is essential to protect Pakistan’s youth from religious divisions, extremism, terrorism, and misleading propaganda on social media. Speaking at the National Youth Programme Development Conference 2026 in Islamabad, Ashrafi emphasized that the future of Pakistan depends on an educated, principled, united, and peace-loving generation that rejects extremism and contributes to the country's prosperity.
Ashrafi highlighted that girls’ education serves as the foundation of national development, stating that every girl must be provided equal opportunities to receive quality education. He also stressed the necessity of building students' character, promoting healthy activities, and preventing the use of drugs, narcotics, and other harmful substances within educational institutions. To counter the irresponsible use of social media, fake news, and hateful content, he said digital awareness and the habit of verifying information must be promoted among young people.
Regarding specific regions, Ashrafi said that education, awareness, authentic religious guidance, and national unity must be promoted, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, to protect young people from the misleading narratives of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. He called on Ulema and Mashaikh to play an effective role against sectarianism, religious extremism, suicide attacks, and terrorism. He noted that the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee is currently playing an important role in bringing together all schools of thought and religious communities to promote inter-sect and interfaith harmony, peace, and national unity.
Ashrafi paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces and national security institutions, specifically mentioning the ongoing efforts under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir against terrorism. He noted that sacrifices made over more than two decades have played an important role in safeguarding Pakistan’s defence, security, and dignity at the international level.
In a welcome address at the conference, Hafiz Tariq Mahmood, Acting Chief Commissioner of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, appreciated Ashrafi for his consistent efforts regarding social reform, peace, tolerance, and the promotion of positive national values. Mahmood stated that Ashrafi is playing a valuable role in bringing about reformative change in society through a constructive and positive approach and in the intellectual and moral development of the younger generation. Scouts from across the country attended the conference.
