Pakistan interior minister assures Sunni scholars of reopening sealed mosques and seminaries

KARACHI / ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured leading Ahle-Sunnat scholars that the government will reopen sealed mosques and religious seminaries, and will not interfere in the administrative or religious affairs of these institutions, according to official and clerical sources.

During meetings held in Karachi and Islamabad, Minister Naqvi pledged the release of innocent detained activists and reaffirmed that government actions would remain within the limits of law and respect for religious freedoms.

The assurance came during a key meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and prominent Sunni scholars, including Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, at the latter’s residence. The discussions reportedly focused on the recent sealing of several mosques and madrassas during ongoing law-enforcement operations, which had drawn criticism from religious circles.

Officials said the minister emphasized that the government’s actions were aimed only at maintaining law and order, not targeting any sect or religious group. He also stressed the importance of continued dialogue between the state and religious leadership to ensure communal harmony and prevent misuse of religious platforms.

Religious leaders welcomed the government’s assurances, expressing hope that genuine seminaries and mosques would be allowed to function freely once investigations are completed.