IN these times of terrorist violence, securing religious gatherings in Muharram — especially during the month’s first 10 days — is a major administrative task. Countrywide, hundreds of mourning assemblies and processions of varying sizes are organised during this period, and gatherings in the major urban centres can attract thousands of participants. In years past, Muharram-related gatherings have been attacked by extremists with deadly consequences, but over the past few months sectarian violence — both targeted killings and mass-casualty attacks — has come down noticeably. As news reports have indicated, the authorities in different parts of the country are going through the paces, gearing up to ensure security during Muharram. For example, the Sindh chief minister has called for a ban on pillion riding from the 8th to the 10th of the lunar month, while cellular and internet services will also reportedly be blocked on Ashura. Meanwhile, the administration in Islamabad has imposed a ban on a number of clerics from different sects to ensure that communal peace prevails.

Despite the drop in sectarian violence in the run-up to Muharram, the state must remain vigilant as militant elements are always on the lookout for ‘soft’ targets to strike. For example, on Eidul Azha militants tried to attack a Shia congregation in Sindh’s Shikarpur district. While militant groups may well be lying low, many of their political patrons — especially of the more sectarian variety — are very much active; the state must keep a close eye on these elements. Moreover, clerics of all denominations bear a major responsibility to not misuse the pulpit; at a time when religious passions are running high, provocative speeches can have destructive consequences, especially in cities and towns known to be sectarian flashpoints. And in this age of social media and ‘instant’ news, even local flare-ups can spread like wildfire on a national scale. The ulema, community leaders and the state must all put in extra efforts to ensure that Muharram is observed safely across Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2016