MULTAN - Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad stated that peace and stability are indispensable for the country's security and national progress. He urged religious scholars and preachers to promote unity and avoid hate speeches during Muharram-ul-Haram. He expressed these views while addressing an interfaith harmony meeting held in Multan as part of the "Peace Caravan" initiative launched on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ensure the peaceful observance of Muharram.
Key Attendees and Discussions
The meeting was attended by Multan Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nauman Siddique, City Police Officer Sadiq Ali Dogar, senior district officials, religious scholars from all schools of thought, and members of peace committees. Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad emphasized that the entire nation and religious leadership stand united behind the national agenda for stability and security.
Importance of Interfaith Harmony
He termed the launch of interfaith harmony caravans a commendable initiative and stressed that Pakistan, founded on the principles of the "Kalima Tayyaba", requires collective efforts for its protection and prosperity. He said promoting interfaith harmony, national stability, and the message of peace remains the need of the hour. Paying tribute to the armed forces, he said their sacrifices for the defence of the country are a source of national pride.
Call for Respect and Unity
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee chairman urged scholars and religious leaders to respect the beliefs of all sects and refrain from provocative rhetoric. "Follow your own school of thought but do not target others," he remarked, adding that the sacrifices of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) and Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) continue to inspire the Muslim Ummah.
Administration's Assurance
Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan expressed confidence that Muharram would pass peacefully in an atmosphere of unity and brotherhood. He called upon religious scholars, spiritual leaders, and the public to remain vigilant against elements seeking to undermine peace and to cooperate fully with the administration and law-enforcement agencies.
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nauman Siddique said the administration and law-enforcement agencies were continuing comprehensive measures to maintain peace and order during Muharram-ul-Haram. At the conclusion of the meeting, scholars and religious leaders belonging to different schools of thought joined hands to demonstrate unity. Special prayers were offered for Pakistan's security, prosperity, Muslim unity, and freedom for the people of Palestine and Kashmir.
