Punjab Higher Education Commission, in collaboration with Punjab University, has launched a campaign against religious-hatred, the aim of which is to create awareness among the youth in the context of the blasphemy laws and their social responsibilities.

An awareness seminar was held at the auditorium of PU Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center on the topic of 'Blasphemy Law and our Social Responsibilities' organized by Punjab University Directorate of Students Affairs, Committee for Awareness Against Religious Hatred and PHEC.

Former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed, PU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood, President Lahore High Court Bar Association Asad Manzoor Butt, Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies Prof Dr Muhammad Hammad Lakhvi, Director Co-ordination PHEC Dr Rana Tanveer Qasim, Director Students Affairs Dr Muhammad Ali Kalasra, Dr Saeed Ahmad, faculty members and a large number of students were present.

Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood said that it is the responsibility of teachers and universities to educate the society, until the people are aware of the laws the eradication of ignorance is not possible. He said that obtaining correct information and avoiding wrong information is the solution to this problem for which social media experts have to be prepared.

He appreciated the awareness campaign against religious hatred by PHEC and said that everyone has to form such a society together which can fight the conspiracies against Muslims. Aneeq Ahmed said that the tricks of the devils of every age are different which cannot be recognized without knowledge.

He said that there is a difference between criticism, contempt and humiliation and blasphemy under the guise of freedom of expression is not allowed at all. He said that awareness about laws is necessary to prevent incidents like Jaranwala, Sialkot. He said that scholars in Jaranwala had opened the doors of mosques for Christians, which is the best example of religious harmony. He said that unseen forces are playing a behind-the-scenes role to abolish the blasphemy laws, but we will not allow this to happen.

Asad Manzoor Butt said that there are certain limits of love and emotions through which civilized society can be formed only by observing them. He said that the blasphemy laws are being misused in Pakistan, which causes the country to be ridiculed at the international level. He said that digital devices should be used with appropriate care.

He said that there are 295A, B and C laws for blasphemy in Pakistan, according to which the authorities should be informed about the person guilty of blasphemy. Dr Tanveer Qasim said that Islam has a comprehensive law for all the humanity. Unfortunately, he said, anti-Islamic elements are spreading videos, cartoons and pictures insulting Islam, Islamic rites, the Prophet of Islam and holy persons through social media. He said that those found involved have also been arrested.

He said that Pakistan Higher Education Commission, Punjab Higher Education Commission, universities, Pakistan Telecommunication, FIA etc in the light of the instructions of the honorable judiciary, will work together to highlight social responsibilities in this regard.

He said that the negative and harmful effects of social media on the society are becoming a cause of great concern and there is an urgent need for awareness in all sections of the society to prevent its misuse. Prof Dr Muhammad Hammad Lakhvi said that growing divisions in society are fueling hatred, extremism and religious hatred. He said that training is very important to reduce religious hatred and understand the beauty of disagreement. Dr Muhammad Ali Kalasra said that PU will play its role to eradicate extremism. Later, a tree plantation campaign was also kicked off at Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center with the support of Aghaz-e-Sahar Green Community.