RAWALPINDI: The divisional administration on Monday urged religious scholars to play their role in maintaining peace and harmony during the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (A.S.).
Commissioner Salman Ghani and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Babar Sarfraz Alpa jointly chaired a Divisional Peace Committee conference. The conference was attended by City Police Officer (CPO) Hasan Mushtaq Sukhaira, Saifullah, Hafiz Sheikh Qasim, Shabeehul Hasnain Kazmi, Maulana Babar, Hassan Mehdi, Qari Khalid Mehmood Abbasi, Maulana Mushtaq, Maulana Iqbal Rizvi, Qari Azmatullah, Hafiz Khadim Ayub, Maulana Abrar Qadri, Maulana Junaid Rashid, Allama Zaid Abbas Kazmi, other members of the peace committee, representatives of traders’ associations, media, civil society and officers from relevant departments.
Addressing the conference, the commissioner said like Muharram, the observance of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain would also be held in an atmosphere of complete peace, brotherhood, mutual respect and religious harmony.
He said it is the collective responsibility of everyone to respect all religious gatherings, processions, imambargahs and mosques, adding that sectarianism and hate-based behaviour would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
It is collective responsibility of everyone to respect religious gatherings, processions, imambargahs and mosques, commissioner says
He stated that the responsibilities of the Divisional Peace Committee are of great importance and that scholars from all schools of thought, religious leaders, business community, civil society and the administration would work together to ensure lasting peace.
He said religious scholars play a vital role in society and that their positive influence is essential for guiding the younger generation and promoting unity and social cohesion.
He said all practical recommendations presented during the meeting through mutual consultation would be implemented effectively. He directed that, wherever required, decisions regarding procession routes should be made in consultation with representatives of all schools of thought.
In case of new procession routes, the concerned mosques, seminaries, and local community leaders should also be taken fully on board to avoid any misunderstanding or administrative inconvenience.
The RPO said that foolproof security arrangements would be put in place across the region to ensure law and order during Chehlum.
He stated that all processions, religious gatherings and other events would be closely monitored in every district with additional police personnel deployed at sensitive locations. He added that processions and gatherings would also be monitored through CCTV cameras and aerial surveillance to ensure a prompt response to any emergency.
The RPO said cooperation from religious scholars, the peace committee, traders, media and citizens was essential for maintaining peace and order.
He warned that sectarian, hateful or provocative content on social media would not be tolerated and that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
He urged religious scholars to promote the message of unity, tolerance, brotherhood and peace through their mosques, imambargahs and religious gatherings to further strengthen harmony within society.
During the conference, religious scholars and members of the peace committee assured the district administration and police of their full cooperation.
They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, tolerance, mutual religious respect and inter-sect harmony during the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain.
Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2026