Islamabad: Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Wednesday chaired an important meeting aimed at promoting religious harmony and ensuring peace during Muharram-ul-Haram.
Addressing a gathering of scholars and religious leaders from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, he said that during Muharram-ul-Haram, he played an important role in maintaining peace like in previous years.
Minister Salik said that a joint strategy has been developed in consultation with scholars to promote unity, brotherhood and tolerance in society.
He said it is necessary to have similar meetings at the provincial and district levels to strengthen communal harmony. He said it is important for scholars of all schools of thought to work together on national and religious issues to maintain a peaceful environment.
A comprehensive code of conduct was announced at the meeting by Religious Affairs Secretary Zulfikar Haidar. He said that all schools of thought will strive to foster an environment of love, tolerance and mutual understanding.
He said other religious leaders will be respected and scholars, speakers and writers should ensure balance and calmness in their speeches and writings and avoid offensive words that may offend others.
Zulfiqar said that sectarian disputes will be resolved through negotiations and understanding, and serious dialogue and public platforms will not be used to criticize opponents. He said, respect will be given to the Islamic figures who are supported, the family of the Prophet, his companions and guardians.
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Zulfiqar said that scholars of all sects will unite and support each other in national issues, and that Palestinians and Kashmiris will remember their sacrifices in the context of the Karbala incident, express solidarity and bring their issues to the attention of the world.
He said the federal government has asked the provincial authorities to hold similar meetings at the provincial and district levels to maintain religious harmony during Muharram-ul-Haram. Zulfiqar announced that a core committee consisting of representatives of all schools of thought, as well as officials from the Ministry of Religion and Interfaith Harmony and the Ministry of Interior will be formed to ensure active coordination during the holy month.
