Sectarian harmony

The recent tragedy in which four women belonging to the ethnic Hazara Shia community were killed in Quetta allegedly happened due to sectarian hatred. Unfortunately, religious education in Pakistan is divided along sectarian lines and is one of the causes of sectarian violence in the country. Interaction and dialogue among religious scholars belonging to different schools of thought, or sects, are direly needed to remove widespread misperceptions among different religious sects.

There should be zero tolerance for violent sectarian groups and their leaders. Many examples prove that religious and sectarian disputes are initially local in nature and their prudent handling by administrations can nip them in the bud. Although efforts by the government to maintain peace and sectarian harmony during this month of Muharram are welcome, the government should aim towards sectarian harmony all year.

Syed Ali Qasim

Lahore