Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Urges Religious Scholars to Promote Peace During Muharram

Islamabad – June 26, 2025: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a high-level meeting with religious scholars from various sects in Islamabad, emphasizing their critical role in promoting peace, unity, and interfaith harmony during the sacred month of Muharram.

The meeting, part of the government’s broader Muharram security strategy, was aimed at fostering sectarian harmony and preventing the misuse of religious gatherings for incitement or violence.

Key Points from the Meeting

Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the importance of:

• Responsible speech by scholars and preachers, especially during majalis and processions
• Respect for all schools of thought, promoting tolerance and mutual respect
• Close cooperation between religious leaders, law enforcement, and the local administration
• Effective enforcement of Section 144, especially during Ashura days, to prevent unlawful gatherings

“Ulema are the guardians of religious unity. Your guidance can prevent conflict and promote peace,” Naqvi stated during the meeting.

Government’s Muharram Security Plan

The Ministry of Interior has finalized a multi-tiered security plan to ensure:

• Protection of imambargahs and procession routes
• Deployment of law enforcement personnel, including Rangers and police
• Installation of CCTV cameras and walkthrough gates at key locations
• Monitoring of social media for hate speech or incitement

Coordination meetings with provincial governments and security agencies have already begun to ensure consistency in implementation.

Scholars Pledge Cooperation

Senior scholars from both Sunni and Shia communities welcomed the initiative and assured full support. They also called on the government to ensure:

• Timely electricity and water supply at processions
• Strict action against hate material in print and digital media
• Equal representation of all sects in peace committees

“We are united for peace and will not allow anyone to divide the ummah,” said a Shia cleric representing a leading religious board.

Appeal to the Public

The government and ulema jointly urged citizens to:

• Respect processions and routes, regardless of sect
• Avoid spreading unverified content or hate material online
• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement

Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that peace during Muharram is a shared national responsibility.

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