Role of all schools of thought in peace, inter-sect harmony during Muharram commendable: Azma Bokhari

• Says coordinated efforts of govt, scholars and peace committees vital for maintaining law and order

• Pays tribute to Tariq Tafu’s cultural legacy, calls him a mentor who shaped music industry

 LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari, during her visit to Faisalabad Division, met members of the Divisional Peace Committee and held detailed consultations on maintaining peace, inter-sect harmony, and promoting brotherhood during Muharram-ul-Haram.

The meeting was attended by prominent members of the Peace Committee, including Sahibzada Zahid Mehmood Qasmi, Hafiz Muhammad Amjad, Allama Tahir-ul-Hasan, Hafiz Maqbool Ahmed, Yaseen Zafar, Jafar Naqvi, Muhammad Aslam Bhalli, Shahid Razaq, Ashiq Hussain Rizvi, Muhammad Farooq, Syed Muhammad Raza Shah, Ameer-ud-Din Rizvi, Mufti Abdul Mueed, Mumtaz Gondal, Mufti Nasruddin, and others.

فیصل آباد ڈویژن میں محرم الحرام کے دوران امن، رواداری اور بھائی چارے کے فروغ کے لیے وزیر اطلاعات پنجاب عظمیٰ بخاری کی امن کمیٹی کے ارکان سے اہم ملاقات- انہوں نے کہا کہ امن و ہم آہنگی کو برقرار رکھنا ہم سب کی مشترکہ ذمہ داری ہے-
ملاقات میں انتظامیہ اور امن کمیٹی کے درمیان تعاون کو… pic.twitter.com/R1CwhLdlnZ

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 23, 2026

On the occasion, members of the Peace Committee appreciated the special efforts of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for maintaining an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and brotherhood across the province during Muharram, and expressed their gratitude.

Azma Bokhari said that ensuring a peaceful environment during Muharram is a collective responsibility of the government, administration, religious scholars, and peace committees. She added that the Faisalabad Division Peace Committee has always played a commendable role in maintaining peace and would continue to extend full cooperation to the administration this year as well.

She further stated that effective coordination among all relevant institutions, stakeholders, and organizers will be ensured for the peaceful and well-organized conduct of Ashura processions and Friday prayers, so that no inconvenience or disruption occurs.

The Minister noted that strong coordination and continuous communication between peace committees and organizers of religious gatherings is a positive development and plays a vital role in maintaining law and order during Muharram.

She emphasized that promoting tolerance, brotherhood, and religious harmony during Muharram is a shared responsibility of scholars, religious leaders, and community elders from all schools of thought.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Azma Bokhari said that the Punjab government and its institutions are fully active in ensuring public service delivery and maintaining peace, and will take all necessary steps to achieve these objectives.

She expressed hope that through collective efforts of scholars, peace committees, administration, and the public, all Muharram gatherings and processions would be conducted peacefully, and Faisalabad Division would set a strong example of peace, tolerance, and religious harmony.

 ‘Tariq Tafu’s Musical Legacy Inspired Generations’

Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of renowned music composer, singer, and mentor Tariq Tafu.

In her condolence statement, she said that Tariq Tafu was a legendary figure in the world of music who earned immense respect and admiration through his exceptional talent, creative brilliance, and lifelong contributions to the industry.

صوبائی وزیر اطلاعات و ثقافت عظمیٰ بخاری کا موسیقار اور گلوکار طارق طافو کے انتقال پر اظہار افسوس@AzmaBokhariPMLN pic.twitter.com/U5GqzvKq7c

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) June 23, 2026

She said he belonged to that rare class of artists who not only achieved personal fame but also nurtured and introduced numerous talented musicians to the field.

She noted that Tariq Tafu gained worldwide recognition through his iconic track “Lahore Lahore Aye,” which played a significant role in promoting Pakistan’s cultural identity and music across the globe. His services to the country’s music industry will always be remembered.

The Minister further said that during his long artistic career, Tariq Tafu guided and mentored dozens of emerging artists, helping them establish themselves in the music world. She said his contributions remain an invaluable part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.