ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi led a special meeting of the Paigham-i-Aman Committee to address Muharram observances and counter sectarian incitement. Muharram, a period of mourning for Shia Muslims, marks the anniversary of Imam Husain’s martyrdom at Karbala in 680 AD, with Ashura falling on June 26.
The committee emphasized strategies to strengthen inter-sect harmony, including penalizing social media users promoting religious division. Naqvi highlighted the ministry’s focus on engaging ulema nationwide to reinforce Islamic principles.
Public awareness campaigns against terrorism, rooted in Quranic teachings, were prioritized. Naqvi stressed that religious leaders must guide communities away from sectarian rhetoric and violent extremism.
A peace committee coordinator will be designated to ensure order during Muharram, with the ministry framing law and order efforts as a shared duty.
Naqvi praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership in brokering US-Iran nuclear talks, crediting CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as pivotal in stabilizing negotiations. He noted Munir’s decisive interventions during critical talks, including urging Iranian mediators to commit to peaceful terms on religious grounds.
The meeting drew religious scholars, provincial peace committee representatives, and senior officials, who commended the administration’s collaboration in securing a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran.
The proceedings concluded with a collective prayer for national stability and security during the holy month.
