CM urges Ulema to observe Ashura as per code of conduct

Owing to the dangerous spike in the fourth wave of the novel coronavirus, an alarming situation in Afghanistan and ongoing monsoon season, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has urged religious scholars of different schools of thought to promote and strengthen sectarian harmony and observe Ashura in accordance with strict code of conduct issued by the government.

This he said while presiding over a meeting of Ulema of different schools of thought at the CM House on Thursday. The CM said the fourth wave of Covid-19 had proved to be more dangerous while the monsoon season was in full swing and on the top of it, the unrest in Afghanistan was also viewed as a potentially serious law and order situation.

He added that in consultation with the Shia Ulema/organisations, the government had worked out an agreement and code of conduct. “If you abide by the agreed plan, everything will go smooth and peaceful,” he said.

Shah said that the overall situation was very serious, and so irrespective of sectarian and other differences, we had to forge unity in our ranks. “We have to respect each other,” he said.

Sindh Minister for Religious Affairs Nasir Shah said a peace committee had been constituted and the home department had issued a code of conduct for the purpose. He added that peace committees had to play their role and code of conduct should be followed in true letter and spirit.

The Ulema who attended the meeting assured the CM that guidelines issued by the government would be followed in true letter and spirit during the month of Muharram. They also gave some suggestions in this regard and the government assured them of implementing these proposals for peaceful observance of Ashura.