LAHORE: The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) with the coordination of all schools of thought has released a 10-point code of conduct for maintaining peace in Muharram.

The code released to the media on Monday calls upon leadership of all sects to openly disassociate themselves from the elements affiliated with sectarian violence, terrorism and extremism.

No scholar, orator or cleric will use in public sermons sacrilegious remarks nor any sect will support or endorse any blasphemer, it said, adding that no sect should be declared ‘infidel’ and no Muslim or non-Muslim should be pronounced as ‘worthy to be killed’.

It sought a complete ban on the use of loudspeaker except for Azan and Friday sermons, and on publication of violent religious content, hate speeches, outrageous literature, books, etc., and called for joint congregations to demonstrate the message of unity.

It said the government was responsible to ensure protection of sacred places of the minorities and checking the elements that could pose threats to the minorities and their worship places.

The code demanded that the government ensure the implementation of the National Action Plan without any discrimination, maintain a cohesive coordination between local administration and organisers of Majalis and Muharram processions.

It suggested that in case of any untoward incident, members of the respective peace committee should reach the spot immediately and employ every possible means to curb provocation and spread of violence.

Meanwhile, the Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi-led PUC has urged all khateebs to give a call for donations for the cause of dams in Friday sermons.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2018