religious scholars, elders urged to ensure peace in Muharram

PESHAWAR, Jun 04 (APP): Commissioner Kohat Division Syed Motasim Billah Shah has urged religious scholars, tribal elders and local communities to work together to ensure peace and harmony during the upcoming Muharram-ul-Haram.

Speaking at a Grand Jirga in Kalaya, the Headquarters of Lower Orakzai, he said the district administration, police and security agencies had finalized comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the peaceful observance of Muharram and added that preservation of law and order is a shared

responsibility of all citizens.

The jirga was attended by Deputy Commissioner Orakzai Irfanuddin, District Police Officer Shaukat Ali, Commandant Orakzai Scouts Colonel Adnan Javed, religious scholars from different schools of thought, tribal elders and representatives of both Sunni and Shia communities.

Maintaining the sanctity of Muharram, ensuring public safety and promoting religious harmony require collective efforts from all segments of society,” he told the gathering. He said Orakzai had a long-standing tradition of inter-sect harmony, mutual respect and brotherhood expressing confidence that community leaders would continue to uphold these values during the holy month.

The commissioner called on religious leaders and tribal elders to discourage rumors and hate rhetoric and remain in close coordination with the administration and law enforcement agencies to help maintain a peaceful environment.

He emphasized that scholars and community elders play a vital role in promoting tolerance and strengthening social cohesion adding that their positive contributions would further reinforce the atmosphere of unity and brotherhood across the district.

The Jirga concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to peace, communal harmony and cooperation with authorities to ensure the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram in Orakzai.