KARACHI, Feb 21: Sindh Chief Minister Ali Mohammed Mahar has said that Muharram-ul-Haram is equally sacred for all Muslims during which there should be demonstration of religious harmony, understanding, unity and brotherhood.
"We should avoid creating sectarian and religious hatred and contribute towards an improved law and order," the chief minister said while presiding over a meeting held at CM House to review arrangements regarding Muharram-ul-Haram.
He pointed out that Islam taught the lesson of love and tolerance and the Muslims should exercise endurance and patience.
On behalf of the provincial government, the chief minister renewed the pledge that administration would take all possible steps for maintaining law and order in Sindh. He said that all important decisions in this regard would be taken in the light of suggestions and recommendations of Ulema and Mashaikh.
Ali Mahar directed the administration to ensure better lighting and cleanliness arrangements in every city, remove encroachments, garbage and other hurdles from roads and keep strict watch on suspects along the procession routes so that no untoward incident could occur.
He further directed the administration to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity during Muharram and remove all wall-chalkings and slogans causing hatred among Muslims.
About shortage of police force, the chief minister said that recruitment in police was being started in various districts, which would help overcome the problem on one hand and provide jobs to unemployed people on the other.
He informed the meeting that he would visit various cities on Ashura to inspect the arrangements made in this regard.
He expressed hope that the people would demonstrate the spirit of peace and religious harmony and foil the nefarious designs of anti-state and mischievous elements.
Sindh Minister for Zakat and Auqaf Dr Irfan Gul Magsi informed the participants of the meeting that peace committee set up for the province would continue to hold its meetings and take comprehensive decisions for bringing improvement in the obtaining conditions under the Chief Minister's directives.
He said that the chief minister had given approval to the establishment of Research and Publication Cell for keeping watch on literature containing anti-peace material. He said that this cell would keep examining the publications of all schools of thought.
Mr Magsi said that on the chief minister's directive the provincial ministers would be visiting different districts tomonitor the law and order condition.
City Nazim Naimatullah Khan appreciated the provincial government for timely holding of pre-Muharram meetings and expressed hope that the administration would play its due role in maintaining peace.
Also present at the meeting, the Ulema and Mashaikh belonging to various schools of thought appreciated the government efforts and put forth their proposals and suggestions for improved law and order situation.
All the Ulema assured of respecting each other's sentiments during Muharram.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Dr Sultana Ibrahim, Shah Turabul Huq, Maulana Yakub Qadri, Prof Ali Raza Shah, Haji Hanif Tayyab, Maulana Taj Mohammed, Pir Ayub Jan Sarhandi, Maulana Abbas Qadri, Maulana Asad Thanvi, Maulana Tanvirul Huq Thanvi, Mohammed Zubair Usmani, Allama Furqan Hyder Abidi besides Additional Chief Secretary Home Anwar Hyder, DCO Karachi Mir Hussain Ali, CCPO Karachi and RPOs of Hyderabad and Sukkur. -APP