RAWALPINDI, March 4: Sectarian harmony and cohesion is the greatest need of the hour, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said here on Thursday.

Speaking at a ceremony, the minister said terrorists wanted to destabilize the country and their nefarious designs could only be foiled through greater unity and cohesion among the countrymen.

He urged the countrymen to be tolerant and to respect the believes of others. He said the Ulema and spiritual leaders could play an important role in this regard by preaching tolerance and mutual respect. He said instead of highlighting the differences, the focus should be on the common points between different sects.

Pir Naqibur Rehman, the custodian of Eidgah, in his speech said irrespective of our sectarian affiliation "we are all Muslims first, we all believe in God and the finality of prophethood".

He said the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) was not for any specific sect or group, it was instead for the entire humanity and particularly for the sake of Islam.

Others speakers called on the people to shun sectarian differences and forge unity among their ranks by following the teachings of Islam. They said the Muslims could become invincible by becoming united.