Minister underscores needs for unity during Muharram

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Saturday said the government was committed to maintain law and order during Muharram at all cost in the country. She stressed the people to forge unity among their ranks and foil conspiracies of evil elements to disturb peaceful environment during the holy month.
Speaking as a chief guest at the 6th "Hussain Sab Ka" conference held on Saturday at Anwar Club, she said people belonging to all sects should shun their issues and forge unity among their ranks to cope with challenges confronted by the Muslim and weed out the menace of terrorism and extremism from the country. The minister appealed to religious scholars of all schools of thought to refrain from delivering fiery speeches during Muharram and respect each other belief.
"Islam is a religion of brotherhood, tolerance, love and pace which has forbidden killing of innocent people and it is high time that we should collectively work for elimination of terrorism and extremism from the country", she said. Dr Awan said it was high time that everyone should respect each other's convictions and show spirit of tolerance to cope with multifarious challenges.
The aim of holding the conference was to spread the message of peace, brotherhood and unity among the masses across the country, she said. Dr Awan said Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions rendered supreme sacrifices in Karbala just for the glory of Islam and not for the rule. Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions fought for the supremacy of truth and did not bow to evil forces for ensuring the glory of Islam.
She said, "the supreme sacrifices rendered in Karbala will be remembered in all times to come which are beacon for the Muslim Ummah to get rid of multifarious problems and challenges in the modern world". The minister underlined consultation with women on different issues because Islam does not stop them from expressing their views. She paid rich tributes to armed forces and expressed solidarity with families of the martyrs who laid their lives during Nato attack.
The minister said Sialkot was not only a hub of export activities but a nucleus of brotherhood, peace and love, adding that people would demonstrate their previous tradition during Muharram in every nook and corner for maintaining peace in the city. Religious scholars and ulema also spoke on the occasion.