KARACHI: Ambassador at Large for Global Peace & Human Rights, and Chairman of the Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) Imam Allama Ahsan Siddiqui has appealed to youth, the social, political, and religious leadership of the country to play their role in creating an atmosphere of harmony, peace, and mutual understanding. During Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Shia Muslims across Pakistan hold gatherings and organize processions to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The Chairman of the Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) said appeal to the leaders and supporters of all political and religious parties in Pakistan to work for harmony, unity, for a better environment by avoiding provocative statements and abuses, that zero-tolerance policy should be adopted towards sectarian provocation, besides ensuring fool-proof security and lasting peace.
Ambassador Allama Ahsan Siddiqui said religious leaders and representatives of all sects have unanimously rejected extremist mindsets and they have declared their dissociation from such elements in all respects, whatsoever. Pakistan can only be weakened through sectarian riots, therefore, all have to be very vigilant about it. He said it was only the state’s prerogative to take a decision on matters relating to Islamic injunctions. He warned that the enemies of Pakistan always found the month of Muharram to be ideal for them to create chaos. They said that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) along with all religious leaders had drafted a code of conduct which was aimed at respecting religious teachings of all sects.
The International Religious Freedom Roundtable for Pakistan Co-Chair Ambassador Allama Ahsan Siddiqui said that Pakistan had been a flag-bearer of love, tolerance, hospitality, and had fought against terrorism and religious extremism, He said all Muslim leaders, scholars and speakers were duty-bound to spread the message of Islam that also ensured protection of religious minorities. The IRF Pakistan Co Chair said Islam has given a universal message of peace and harmony and it respects all other religions, protects religious freedom and ensures security of all religious communities. He said non-Muslims living in Pakistan should also have the freedom to pray at their places of worship and enjoy all rights enshrined in the constitution. He said that the Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) promote religious harmony, religious freedom, in Pakistan and to create suitable and safe environment for other religion followers. Pakistan is the only country where people from different religions live in peace and harmony, credit of which goes to government, religious scholars and leaders of all schools of thought”.
Ambassador Imam Allama Ahsan Siddiqui said that it was only the state’s prerogative to take a decision on matters relating to Islamic injunctions. He warned that the enemies of Pakistan always found the month of Muharram to be ideal for them to create chaos. He urged people of all faiths scholars and people to cooperate with members of the law enforcement agencies in ensuring foolproof security, peace, and harmony during this Muharram. He said Pakistan Army, the law-enforcement agencies, FC, Police, Rangers and the district administration would maintain law and order during Muharram.
The ICPH Chairman drew the attention of all religious minorities, scholars, and political leadership to the fact that Pakistan, with its message of harmony and brotherhood, guaranteed peace for future generations and did not allow anyone to thrust a particular ideology over others. “Non-state actors could not be part of a peaceful nation and, therefore, they are discouraged in their act of spreading ideological pollution. The Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) appeal to the leaders and supporters of all religious, youth organization and political in Pakistan to work for unity, harmony, for a better environment by avoiding provocative statements and abuses,
