ISLAMABAD: The police and ulema from various sects have agreed on a code of conduct to maintain law and order and peace during Muharram and avoid any untoward incident, officials from the capital administration and the police said on Tuesday.

A meeting, chaired by District Magistrate retired Capt Mushtaq Ahmed, was attended by senior administration and police officials and religious leaders.

Officials said according to the code of conduct, the ulema must follow the 1963 Amplifier Act, and loudspeakers may only used for azaan and Friday sermons. They have also been asked to ensure that the sound from internal loudspeakers does not leave the building.

Officials said it was also decided that sermons delivered during Friday prayers should be on religious harmony and religious unity, and against sectarianism. They said it was also agreed that wall chalking on the walls of places of worship, and posters with sectarian messages should be avoided.

The religious leaders also took the responsibility, at the request of the capital administration, to remove or erase such material found on the walls of places of worship, they said.

They said ulema, zakireen, and peace committee members would cooperate with the police, capital administration and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to maintain peace within the city.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2016