LAHORE MIRROR — Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Coordinator of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, has received the prestigious Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation 2026 at a ceremony held at the historic Lambeth Palace in London.
The award was presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, in recognition of Ashrafi’s decades-long contribution to peacebuilding, reconciliation, religious harmony, interfaith and intra-faith cooperation, minority rights and peaceful coexistence.
It also recognises his efforts to counter extremism, terrorism and sectarian violence, while promoting dialogue, moderation, mutual respect and tolerance among religious communities.
The Hubert Walter Award is among the Lambeth Awards presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury to honour distinguished contributions to reconciliation and interfaith cooperation. According to details released by the Archbishop’s office, Ashrafi was among leading figures recognised across five categories this year.
The international recognition marks another distinction for Ashrafi, who has remained actively engaged in religious diplomacy and efforts to bring religious and sectarian communities closer together. He has also advocated for the rights of minorities and vulnerable communities and promoted peaceful coexistence while maintaining his commitment to his faith and Islamic identity.
Ashrafi has previously received the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Global Peace Award for his contributions to peace, harmony and cooperation. The two international honours reflect recognition of his peacebuilding efforts in Pakistan, the Muslim world and the wider international community.
His work has extended from Pakistan to Makkah and the wider world, with a focus on peace, moderation, brotherhood, tolerance and dialogue, alongside a strong stance against religious hatred, extremism, terrorism and sectarian violence.
Ashrafi is also a member of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, Secretary-General of the International Tazmeem-e-Haramain Sharifain Council and a member of the International Muslim Forum. He is associated with several international Islamic and interfaith organisations.
