The appointment comes at a critical time amid shifts in the Muslim world and Pakistan’s key ties to the Gulf and Islamic states
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday appointed Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, as the coordinator for religious harmony and for the Pakistani diaspora in the Middle East and Muslim countries.
The appointment comes at a critical time amid developments in the Muslim world and the strategic importance of Pakistan’s relationship with the Gulf and other Islamic states.
Ashrafi has previously served as a Special Representative and brings extensive experience in religious diplomacy, interfaith engagement and international outreach. In his new role, he will be tasked with strengthening coordination, increasing mutual understanding and further improving Pakistan’s relations with Islamic and Arab countries.
He has played a significant and widely recognized role in promoting interfaith and intersectarian harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Pakistan.
Ashrafi is a member of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League and is associated with several prominent international and Islamic organizations. He also maintains close and long-standing personal ties with leading Islamic scholars and dignitaries in the Arab and Muslim world.
