Ashrafi issues protocols to keep law, order in Muharram.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister's Special Representative for Interfaith Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has issued protocols to keep law and order in Muharram-ul-Haram after holding a thorough consultation with the leadership of various schools of thoughts on Tuesday.

Ashrafi who is also the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council said the protocols were being issued in the light of Paigham-e-Pakistan to avert any untoward situation particularly in the holy month of Muharram.

He said the PUC was in coordination with the leadership of all schools of thought and making endeavours to implement the following 'code of conduct' at every respective forum in letter and spirit.

He informed that a meeting of Muttahida Ulema Board (MUB) was also being called on July 24, in Lahore adding the leaders of PUC and MUB would pay visits in important cities in that regard.

According to the main points of standard operating procedures, sectarian hatred, armed sectarian violence and practices of imposing one's ideologies on others through force and coercion is contrary to the rules of Islamic Shariah and fanning anarchy and chaos is a national crime.

Religious scholars, Ulema, Mashaykh and Muftis of all sects decline negative thinking leading to extremism completely.

It is dutiful to observe the sanctity of the Prophets of Allah, Companions and wives of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and Ahl al-Bayt. The person who violates and blasphemes these sacred things is condemned by all schools of thought, and the law should take immediate action against such a culprit.

The usage of foul and abusive language against the faithful and adherents of different religious sects is Haraam (forbidden). The religious scholars, Ulema and Mashaykh from across the country has declared their dissociation from such elements.

Using religious rites and sloganeering for private armed purposes and achieving armed power is definitely not right as per Quran and Sunnah.

It is the duty of Ulema and Mashaykh and religious scholars to educate people about the distinction between right and wrong while declaring someone as an infidel (Takfir) is the jurisdiction of the state, which will be determined in accordance with the Islamic Shariah.

All non-Muslim citizens have full right to worship and are allowed to practice their religious rituals in their worship places on the occasion of their festivals. The rights given to non-Muslims by the Constitution cannot be usurp by...