Religious scholars hail NPAC's peace efforts, call for unity, strict adherence to Muharram Code of Conduct

Religious scholars, spiritual leaders and representatives of various schools of thought on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, inter-sect harmony and national unity during Muharram-ul-Haram, while lauding the efforts of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC), federal and provincial governments, and security institutions in ensuring a peaceful environment across the country

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jun, 2026) Religious scholars, spiritual leaders and representatives of various schools of thought on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, inter-sect harmony and national unity during Muharram-ul-Haram, while lauding the efforts of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC), Federal and provincial governments, and security institutions in ensuring a peaceful environment across the country.

The commitment was expressed during a press conference following a joint meeting of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, addressed by Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Prime Minister's Coordinator for the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, along with Syed Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Maulana Zahid Mahmood Qasmi, Maulana Ramzan Sialvi, Professor Dr Asif Mir, Mufti Muhammad Karim Khan, Allama Muhammad Hussain Akbar, Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Amjad, Maulana Qasim Qasmi, Maulana Hafiz Maqbool Ahmed, Maulana Muhammad Sharif Chingwani, Maulana Aslam Siddiqui, Qari Abdul Hakeem Athar, Mufti Falak Sher, Maulana Zahid Mansoor, Allama Salman Naqvi, Sagheer Ahmad Virk, Mufti Shahid Mahmood, Maulana Zubair Faheem and other religious leaders.

The speakers said that scholars and spiritual leaders belonging to all schools of thought, in collaboration with federal and provincial governments, have been working tirelessly to strengthen peace, religious harmony and inter-sect understanding during Muharram-ul-Haram.

They said under the guidance of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and in accordance with the vision of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee had, over the past several months, played a leading role in raising a strong collective voice against extremism, terrorism, Fitna Al-Khawarij and hostile anti-Pakistan elements.

The committee members said that extensive consultations and coordination with religious scholars, spiritual leaders, religious organizations and political parties across the country had begun well before Muharram-ul-Haram. Wherever challenges emerged, they were addressed through close cooperation with provincial governments and local administrations.

Expressing satisfaction over the prevailing situation, the participants said reports of violations of the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct remained negligible throughout the country, reflecting the responsible role played by scholars, preachers, Zakireen, Khateebs and religious leaders from all schools of thought.

They said wherever isolated complaints had been received, appropriate legal action had been taken in accordance with the law.

Referring to the coincidence of Ashura and Friday congregational prayers this year, the scholars said the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram falls on Friday, June 26, and in some areas, the timings and locations of processions, Majalis and Friday prayers overlap.

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In this regard, they appreciated the efforts of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, provincial peace committees, provincial governments and local administrations for making comprehensive arrangements to ensure smooth coordination and prevent any inconvenience.

The scholars appealed to religious leaders, preachers, Zakireen and Khateebs across the country to dedicate their Friday sermons on Ashura to the teachings and message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), emphasizing unity, peace, tolerance, sacrifice and national harmony.

They urged all stakeholders to strictly implement the Paigham-e-Pakistan Code of Conduct and ensure that no individual is allowed to violate its provisions.

The participants also called upon the public to refrain from sharing speeches, videos, audio recordings or social media content that could incite hatred, disorder or sectarian tensions. They advised citizens to immediately inform local administrations and peace committee representatives if any issue arises and to fully cooperate with police and security agencies in maintaining public order.

Emphasizing the values of tolerance, love and mutual respect, the scholars urged followers of all schools of thought to adhere to agreed schedules and demonstrate patience and cooperation in case of any emergency situation.

"All sacred personalities and beliefs of every school of thought deserve respect.

We must continue to follow the principle: 'Do not abandon your own school of thought, but do not provoke or insult the beliefs of others,'" the participants stated.

The religious leaders also strongly appreciated the Government of Pakistan's diplomatic efforts in facilitating the recent peace agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a significant contribution to regional and global peace.

They paid tribute to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their leadership and efforts in advancing the peace process and welcomed the recent visit of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan as a highly positive and important development.

The scholars expressed confidence that Pakistan's leadership would continue playing a constructive role in promoting unity within the Muslim Ummah and advancing peaceful solutions to challenges facing the Islamic world, including the issues of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.

They said Pakistan's contribution to international peace and dialogue had become a notable chapter in contemporary diplomatic history and would be remembered as a significant service to regional stability and global harmony.

The meeting concluded with a collective pledge to continue working alongside state institutions, law-enforcement agencies and local administrations to ensure that Muharram-ul-Haram is observed in an atmosphere of peace, dignity, religious harmony and national unity throughout Pakistan.