LAHORE, Jan 24: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Tuesday announced continuation of a drive against the literature containing sectarian hatred and warned that strict action would be taken against those writing, publishing or printing it. He was speaking at a meeting of the Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen Committee which was attended by over 50 prominent ulema belonging to various schools of thought.

The chief minister said that elements distributing provocative books and pamphlets deserved no sympathy. He directed the administration to devise a joint strategy in consultation with other provinces so as to effectively intercept such literature smuggling into Punjab from there.

He said that Ittehad Bainul Muslimeen Committee’s peace efforts should not be limited only to the holy month of Muharram. Therefore, the government had decided to hold its meetings every month under Law Minister Raja Basharat. Similarly, meetings of such committees at the district level would also be held on regular basis.

To promote peace and sectarian harmony during Muharram, he said that joint delegations of ulema would visit various districts. Ministers would accompany such delegations during the visits to their own districts.

Pervaiz Elahi asked the ulema to point out those who deliver provocative speeches. Islam is a religion of tolerance and forbearance which does not allow anyone to impose one’s beliefs on others. Islam is being portrayed as a violent religion in the West and we have to contradict it through our deeds.

He said the government would not spare those found spreading unrest in the name of religion.

The meeting decided that like in the case of mosques and other places of worships, stern action would be taken against those found misusing loudspeaker at other public places. The participating ulema commended efforts of the Punjab government towards the law and order and sectarian harmony and submitted various proposals in this regard.