The federal cabinet has decided to hold an interfaith harmony moot at national level next week, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the federal cabinet held in Islamabad on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.

PM Kakar briefed the cabinet members about his visit to violence-hit Jaranwala where some disgruntled elements burnt down churches and houses of the Christians a few days ago.

The prime minister categorically stated that the state would not allow extremism and the religious confrontation in the society. He said it is the top most responsibility of the state to provide protection to the minorities in the country.

He vowed exemplary punishment to the Jaranwala tragedy culprits.

On this occasion, the cabinet also decided to arrange an interfaith harmony conference at national level next week.

The national interfaith moot will invite internationally recognized scholars of various faiths and schools of thought.

The conference will prove a milestone in the promotion of interfaith harmony in the society.

Addressing the cabinet, PM Kakar said that the caretaker government’s prime mandate was to assist, and monitor the electoral process which was the constitutional requirement.

He said keeping in mind the prime mandate, the caretaker government would monitor its day-to-day activities to the best of its abilities.

“We are here as a constitutional continuation for a limited period of time and we are not here to design the government model or structure,” the prime minister said.

He maintained that as a continuation of the previous government, the caretaker setup was generally supposed to carry on with the general policy until and unless there were any violations of rules or business.

“The National Assembly has retired and we are waiting for the new elections,” he said adding the second arm of the parliament - the Upper House - was still there but it could not do legislation alone till there was the Lower House.

‘Diyat’ amount fixed

On the recommendation of the Ministry of Finance, the federal cabinet fixed the amount of Diyat (compensation payable to the victim or legal heirs) which is equal to 30,630 grams of silver for the financial year 2023-24 at Rs6.7 million.

 

Reporter Awais Kiyani