Sohail Afridi urges youth to follow Prophet’s teachings

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday urged young people to study the Seerah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and incorporate his teachings of justice, compassion and good character into their daily lives.
Addressing a provincial Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) conference organised by the Auqaf, Religious Affairs and Minority Affairs Department, he said the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a message of joy, guidance and salvation for all humanity.
The chief minister said the Holy Prophet (PBUH), being the Seal of the Prophets and Mercy for the Worlds, had provided humanity with a path to success in this world and the Hereafter.
He said safeguarding the sanctity and honour of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was an integral part of the faith of Muslims, adding that no compromise could be made on the matter.
Referring to former prime minister Imran Khan, Mr Afridi said he had effectively presented the case for the sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) before the international community and established the Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Authority to promote the Prophet’s teachings and life around the world.
Reflecting on the Muslim world, the chief minister said Muslims were large in number but remained divided and their organisations were not as effective as they should be. He called for revival of moral courage, unity and confidence among Muslims.
He also criticised what he described as double standards of international powers, questioning why strategic capabilities developed by non-Muslim countries were not treated in the same manner as those pursued by Muslim countries.
Mr Afridi said the real challenge facing society was weakening faith and erosion of basic human values. He maintained that Pakistan needed to become an independent, Islamic, welfare-oriented and democratic state.
Talking about corruption and accountability, he said Islam allowed no room for dishonesty and corruption. Referring to the Rs5.3 trillion figure cited in an IMF report, he questioned why those responsible for such alleged corruption had not been held accountable.
The chief minister said the people of KP had sacrificed more than 80,000 lives in the struggle for peace but continued to lose lives because of decisions taken behind closed doors. He called for justice, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
He also criticised disregard for judicial decisions, saying institutions unable to perform their functions should not continue to burden the public exchequer.
Referring to the recent incident at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad in which newborns died, Mr Afridi expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and called for the causes and responsibility for the tragedy to be determined.
He said justice and the rule of law were among the fundamental principles taught by the Holy Prophet (PBUH), while Islam and the Constitution of Pakistan both condemned oppression and upheld fairness.
The chief minister said his government had taken steps against interest-based financial practices after assuming office and was making efforts to rid the province of usury.
Provincial Minister for Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs Adnan Qadri, Secretary Auqaf, chairman of the Muttahida Ulema Board and prominent religious scholars and spiritual leaders also addressed the conference.
Later, Mr Afridi distributed prizes among students who secured positions in Naat and Qira’at competitions organised by the Auqaf Department across the province.