Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Religious Harmony and PUC Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi called for a united national effort to confront terrorism and safeguard the country’s security and social harmony.

Addressing a joint session of religious scholars, elders and leaders of other faiths on counterterrorism at a local hotel, on Monday, Ashrafi said those spreading extremist ideology and inciting violence in Pakistan would not be spared and would face strict legal action.

He added that the joint session unanimously decided that individuals involved in extremism, blasphemy or aiding such elements would be subjected to stringent punishment.