ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC), led by Maulana Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, has issued a code of conduct for maintaining peace and harmony during Muharram.

The code suggests formation of peace committees comprising ulema and respectable citizens in sensitive areas of the country, such as Karachi, D.I. Khan and cities and towns of Punjab, to persuade religious leaders to respect religious sentiments of all people.

Talking to Dawn, Maulana Ashrafi said that leaders of Islam’s different schools of thought and of other recognised religions always denounced reckless killings and acts of terrorism in the name of religion.

He said he hoped that the 10-point code would help to promote peace and harmony, but for that religious leaders would have to play an important role.

Formation of peace committees comprising ulema and respectable citizens in sensitive areas suggested

The code urged all ulema, particularly those who address Muharram’s majalis and other congregations, to refrain from speaking against religious personalities who are respected by people of different sects.

It said no gathering or activity should be held without the permission of local administration. Religious leaders would be encouraged to organise joint programmes involving members of different schools of thought and those who preach and spread hatred would be discouraged.

The code called upon Muslims to respect people belonging to other religious groups and their places of worship.

It urges the government to take strict security measures for Muharram majalis and processions and calls upon organisers of such events to cooperate with the administration.

Maulna Ashrafi said members of the peace committees would be asked to attend Muharram’s programmes in their areas and act promptly to defuse tension in the event of any unfortunate incident.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2015

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