In a significant move to combat extremism, sectarianism, and hate speech, the Pakistani government has established a National Peace Message Committee. A notification released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that this committee will function as a subcommittee of the National Committee for Narrative Building. Its primary objective is to formulate a unified national narrative across the country.

The committee will be chaired by Federal Minister for Information, Atta Tarar. Its membership comprises prominent religious scholars from various schools of thought, representatives from minority communities, and senior officials from relevant ministries. Notable members include Hafiz Abdul Kareem, Mufti Abdul Rahim, Arif Hussain, Pir Naqibur Rehman, Allama Muhammad Hussain Akbar, Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naemi, Maulana Tayyab, and Allama Zia Ullah Shah Bukhari. Allama Tahir Ashrafi has been appointed as the committee’s coordinator.

Representing minority communities are Bishop Azad Marshall, Rajesh Kumar Hardasani, and Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora. This inclusive representation ensures that the voices of all segments of society are incorporated into this crucial national endeavor.

The committee will develop detailed rules of procedure during its meetings, which will then be submitted to the National Committee on Narrative Building for approval. A key responsibility of the National Peace Message Committee is to formulate a strong and effective national narrative against extremism, terrorism, and hate speech. The aim is to foster tolerance, harmony, and peaceful coexistence within the country.