ISLAMABAD, Feb 25: The federal government has directed all provinces to form peace committees at district level to maintain law and order during Muharram.

Talking to Dawn on Monday, interior minister Faisal Saleh Hayat said the peace committees would comprise people from different walks of life, including Ulema, scholars, retired government officials and politicians.

He said the provinces had been asked to ensure major participation of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, an alliance of six religious organizations, in the committees to maintain religious harmony among different sects.

“Provinces have also been ordered to ensure adequate participation of all political parties in the committees,” the minister said.