Interfaith Harmony Conference Held in Khanewal to Promote Unity and Peace Ahead of Muharram

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan

KHANEWAL: An Interfaith Harmony Conference was held in Khanewal under the chairmanship of Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Pakistan, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, to promote religious harmony, national unity, and peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram.

The conference was attended by Deputy Commissioner Maleeha Rashid, District Police Officer Muhammad Abid, religious scholars from various schools of thought, spiritual leaders, and members of the District Peace Committee.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-sect harmony, national solidarity, the objectives of the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative, and the stability and progress of Pakistan.

Addressing the gathering, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said that the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala remain a timeless symbol of truth, patience, perseverance, and justice. He urged religious scholars to utilize mosques and religious forums to discourage sectarianism, promote unity and brotherhood, and contribute actively to maintaining peace during Muharram.

He emphasized that the principle, “Do not abandon your own school of thought, and do not interfere with the beliefs of others,” serves as a foundation for national cohesion and religious harmony.

Deputy Commissioner Maleeha Rashid stated that the district administration is employing all available resources to ensure peace and order during Muharram and to provide maximum facilities to mourners. She added that all relevant departments have been fully mobilized to ensure effective arrangements for religious gatherings and processions.

DPO Muhammad Abid informed participants that comprehensive security measures have been implemented across the district under a coordinated strategy aimed at maintaining law and order and fostering inter-sect harmony during Muharram. He assured that Khanewal Police would utilize all available resources to protect the lives and property of mourners and ensure a peaceful environment throughout the holy month.

Speakers at the conference described peace, tolerance, and brotherhood as essential requirements of the present time and urged all schools of thought to strictly adhere to the agreed code of conduct during Muharram. They also appealed to the public to cooperate with the police, district administration, and other security institutions in maintaining peace.

The conference was also addressed by Mufti Rafiq Shah Jamali, Sheikh Zulfiqar Ali, Sharafat Ali Bhatta, Qari Saifullah Abid, Mir Babar Ali, Shaukat Hussain Gujjar, Maulana Muhammad Usman, Mufti Hamid Hassan, and Mufti Abid Rizvi, among other religious scholars.

The event concluded with special prayers for Pakistan’s development, national stability, unity among its people, and the peaceful observance of Ashura and Muharram-ul-Haram.