KARACHI, Feb 15: Religious scholars here at a meeting at the Governor's House on Tuesday pledged to maintain unity and brotherhood and respect each other's sentiments.

They were are of the agreed opinion that neither Shias nor Sunnis were involved in mischievous activities, and they would have to keep an eye on those who commit such nefarious acts. Such elements, they pointed out, want unrest and cause infighting among Muslims.

Speaking at the meeting held in connection with the arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram, they said it was their earnest desire to see peace in society and that prejudices and nefarious designs may not find a place.

They assured that they and their followers would continue to extend all-out cooperation towards the efforts being made by the government in maintaining an environment of peace, unity, tolerance, brotherhood, love and affection, not only during the Muharram-ul-Haram, but throughout the entire calendar.

In the meeting, the governor had an appraisal about the arrangements so far made for Muharram-ul-Haram and directed the administrative heads and police officials to ensure steps in the light of suggestions made at the meeting.

The governor emphasised that besides provision of security, the authorities should also ensure uninterrupted supply of water and electricity. Moreover, cleanliness be ensured and a coordinated traffic programme be implemented.

"We have to thwart the designs of anti-social elements with unity and wisdom. The governor said that a conference of Ulema and Mashaikh would be organised at the Governor's House next month.

He directed the DCO to submit a daily report to him about the arrangements and cleanliness situation. The City Police Chief apprised the governor about security strategy. At the end of the meeting, special Dua was offered for unity of the Ummah, peace, progress and prosperity.

The Ulema attending the meeting included Allama Furqan Hyder Abidi, Qari Mohammed Iqbal, Maulana Tanvirul Huq Thanvi, Mohammed Arshad Wazirabadi, Mufti Razaul Hasan Mustafa Al-Azmi, Chacha Wahidul Hasan, Allama Hasan Zafar Naqvi, Allama Aun Mohammed Naqvi, Hafiz Mohammed Taqi, Aslam Mujahid, Mohammed Hussain Mehanti, Maulana Hussain Musavi, Mohammed Siddiqi Rathore, Maulana Rahat Hashmi and others.

The meeting was also attended by Home Minister Rauf Siddiqi, Advisor on Information Salahuddin Hyder, Chief Secretary Mohammed Aslam Sanjrani, Principal Secretary Brig (Retd) Akhtar Zamin, DG Rangers Maj Gen Javed Zia, IGP Asad Jehangir, Secretary Information Mehtab Rashdi, Secretary Home Brig (Rtd) Ghulam Mohammad Muhtaram, Secretary Religious Affairs, DCO Fazlur Rehman and other officials. -APP