ISLAMABAD: Chief Commissioner Amer Ali Ahmed highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, brotherhood and harmony in Muharram.

During a meeting with religious leaders, Mr Ahmed shared with them the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) prepared for majalis and mourning processions.

He requested the participants of the meeting to strictly adhere to the SOPs as the threat from the pandemic was not over completely, a statement issued on Sunday by the chief commissioner’s office said.

Organisers of majalis and Muharram processions were also present at the meeting along withDeputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat.

The participants were asked to share their views on administrative arrangements and highlight shortcomings in security arrangements if they had observed any.

The local clerics assured the meeting that they would cooperate with the district administration in making immaculate security arrangements. The licence holders of processions said they would follow the code of conduct, timings and routes.

They informed Mr Ahmed that CCTV cameras had been installed at the route of the main procession to be held on 9th Muharram in G-6. These cameras will display the procession live in the Safe City Control Room.

Ulema urged to spread message of tolerance

Punjab Law Minister Mohammad Basharat Raja on Sunday urge ulema to spread the message of love, religious tolerance and harmony among the people and play their role towards maintaining peace and stability in society.

He expressed these views duringa meeting held at the commissioner’s office to review arrangements for Muharram.

Commissioner retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood, Regional Police Officer Suhail Habib Tajik, Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Anwarul Haq, City Police Officer Ahsan Younas and other officials were present.

The minister asked the district administrations of the Rawalpindi division to ensure that all participants of majalis and mourning processions wear face masks and adopt other safety measures against Covid-19.

He said it was the duty of the government to protect majalis and processions and provide security for the participants.

“The district administration should keep close contact with licence holders of majalis and mourning processions and ensure that the processions complete theirtraditional routes and end on fixed times to avoid any untoward situation,” he said.

He said besides the government, it is also the responsibility of ulema to promote peace and religious harmony and fully support efforts of the government to maintain peace.

Every country, he said, is facing terrorism, extremism, weak economy amongother challenges and there is a need for unity and harmony at this critical juncture. He appealed to ulema to promote peace and brotherhood in society.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2020