ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday urged intellectuals and scholars to provide ‘best’ guidance to younger generations in coping with the modern challenges arising out of digital era with unrestricted content available.
“Social media is a reality and we cannot put restrictions on it. However, the scholars and intellectuals can inspire the people to distinguish between right and wrong,” the premier said while addressing an inauguration of the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL).
The premier began by highlighting the role of scholars during the golden age of Islam. “Scholars played a massive role during that time when a civilisation is on the path to progress, they make scholars their role models.”
However, he said, when scholars go astray, then the civilisation declines. The Prime Minister also lamented the fact that citizens were not informed about the history of Islam. “They are not aware that this was the biggest revolution, that there is no other parallel in history,” he added.
PM Imran further said that Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had brought about an “intellectual revolution” and not one through the sword. He added that it was necessary to inform the younger generation of this revolution as they were facing “immense pressure” due to social media.
Expressing concern over the rising cases of sex crimes in the country, the premier said, access to immoral content on social media regardless of age restriction was a big factor. “In today’s Pakistan, the need for an effective input and involvement of our intellectuals has increased manifold,” he added.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the Indian society faced the destruction of the family system as their films promoted objectionable content, and resultantly, New Delhi was titled the ‘rape capital’. He urged the scholars to highlight the concept of Muslim societies of the history, where Islam was spread through intellectual power rather than wars.
The prime minister said the main objective of establishing the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority by him was to develop a deeper understanding of the Sunnah besides preservation of the Islamic identity, values, and culture in the face of diverse social and digital media influences.
Stressing the need for an “intellectual revolution” in the country, he said, the government would fully honour the scholars and promote them. He said establishing the ‘Hall of Fame’ at PAL was an acknowledgement of the contribution of writers and intellectuals.
