ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday praised the role of Tablighi elders in fostering national unity as he visited Jamia Abul Qasim Tablighi Markaz here, where a three-day ijtema drawing nearly 250,000 people is underway. Mr Naqvi was received at the markaz by elders from the Raiwind and Rawalpindi centres, including Yusuf Qureshi, Abdul Rehman Qureshi, and Deputy In-charge Shura Dr Saleem.

The minister thanked organisers for postponing the congregation as part of security arrangement for proposed US-Iran talks in the capital.

“I pay tribute to the positive role played by the organisers of the Tablighi Ijtema,” he said during a meeting with senior leadership of the Islamabad markaz. Officials briefed Mr Naqvi on security and traffic arrangements for the gathering, which is expected to conclude on Sunday morning with a special collective prayer.

He said an “effective security and traffic management plan” had been put in place. Mr Naqvi also lauded the elders for promoting religious harmony and announced that organisers would be invited to deliver a special lecture at Police Lines. Special prayers were offered for peace, stability, and prosperity in the country.

Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Inspector General of Islamabad Police, Deputy Commissioner, DIG Operations, and Additional Deputy Commissioner General were also present.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2026