Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the vital role of religious scholars in maintaining law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram.
Speaking at a meeting with scholars from various schools of thought in Islamabad on Thursday, he noted that the efforts of law enforcement agencies are as important as those of religious scholars.
Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry met with prominent Ulemas of all schools of thought led by Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad. Detailed discussions were held to ensure peace and security and religious harmony during the Muharram, especially Ashura. Mohsin Naqvi said that religious scholars have a key role in maintaining peace and security during Muharram, and the role of Ulemas in establishing peace and security during Muharram is as important as that of law enforcement agencies.
He said that Ulemas remain in constant contact with the administration during Muharram, and even minor disputes are resolved by them. He highlighted that I am a witness to the fact that the religious scholars have resolved many issues amicably. He agreed to the idea that one should leave his own sect, while we should not also interfere in the beliefs of others.
He stressed that we should spread this golden principle throughout Pakistan because we are all Muslims. He said that I believe that Imam Hussain (AS) belongs to everyone, as much as I am related to Imam Hussain (AS), so does everyone else. He said that many there were several manifestations of unseen help from Allah Almighty to Pakistan during the Pakistan-India war. The Interior Minister said that the Heads of all schools of thought and Ulemas will be invited to offer Zuhr prayers in congregation at Faisal Mosque on August 14. I and the Minister of State will personally deliver the invitations to all religious scholars and there will be full representation from the government this congregation, he added. He stated that through this gathering, the message will be sent to the entire world that we are all united and there cannot be a better day for this than August 14.
He said that this year, due to the honor that Allah Almighty has bestowed on us after the victory in the war, an exemplary Independence Day will be celebrated. The Interior Minister said that terrorism is on the rise in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, I wish that we come together and meet the ulemas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so that they can play an effective role in eradicating this menace, as in this regard, the role of all Ulemas is of utmost importance. He added that we will continue the process of consultation with Ulema. The Interior Minister appreciated the efforts of Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad for religious harmony and said that Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad takes Ulemas of all schools of thought on board. He reiterated that we should hold the next meeting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He hoped that together we will eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the motherland and make it a cradle of peace.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that the Ulemas have played an exemplary role on every occasion. He said that expressed his gratitude to them as they have fulfilled their duty in the best possible way. He added that the responsibility of Ulemas increases even more in Muharram Al-Haram and the war against terrorism. He emphasized that we should not fall prey to any hatred or conspiracy agenda and maintain unity.
Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad appreciated the special efforts of the Interior Minister in establishing peace and order across the country. He said that the Ulema have played an exemplary role in promoting religious harmony and tolerance in the country. The meeting was attended by Qazi Abdul Ghaffar Qadri, Allama Shabbir Hussain, Hafiz Nizamuddin, Maulana Ashraf Ali, Maulana Zia-ur-Rehman, Mufti Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi, Maulana Muhammad Tayeb Qureshi, Mufti Syed Ashiq Hussain Shah, Mufti Fateh Muhammad Rashidi, Pir Saadat Ali Shah, Allama Syed Zahid Hussain Kazmi, Maulana Maqsood Ahmed Towhidi, Maulana Abdul Zahir Farooqi, Qazi Junaid Rashid, Mufti Gulzar Ahmed Naeemi, Maulana Tanveer Ahmed Alvi, Maulana Haroon Rashid, Maulana Abdul Aziz, Maulana Sardar Muhammad Leghari, Allama Saeed Ahmed Awan, Maulana Malik Amjad Awan, Maulana Abid Israr, Qari Bilal Golrvi, Pir Umar Farooq Shah, Allama Mustafa Haider Naqvi, Sahibzada Hassan Shoaib, Sahibzada Irshad Ahmed, Mufti Iqbal Naeemi, Pir Mumtaz Ahmed Zia, Maulana Abu Bakr S iddique, Mufti Abdul Basit, Maulana Abdul Salam Jalali, Maulana Ikram Elahi Zaheer and Professor Zafarullah Jan.
The Federal Interior Secretary, DG FIA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and IG Islamabad Police were also present on the occasion.