KARACHI: Religious scholars and leaders from different schools of thought on Monday pledged to work collectively to promote inter-sect harmony and preserve peace in Karachi during Chehlum and the holy month of Rabi-ul-Awwal.
The commitment came at a meeting chaired by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi at the Commissioner Office, attended by prominent religious scholars representing various schools of thought.
Additional Inspector General of Police Karachi Azad Khan and all Deputy Commissioners joined the meeting via video link.
Addressing the participants, Naqvi urged religious scholars and community leaders to play a proactive role in strengthening inter-sect harmony, tolerance and brotherhood, stressing that peaceful coexistence was essential for maintaining law and order during the forthcoming religious events.
He appealed to clerics, religious leaders and scholars from all sects to continue fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect, restraint and understanding during Chehlum and throughout Rabi-ul-Awwal.
The participants unanimously agreed that religious scholars and preachers would use their sermons to promote peace, love, tolerance and national unity, while refraining from speeches or remarks that could hurt the sentiments of followers of other schools of thought or incite sectarian discord.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to encouraging dialogue, mutual respect and goodwill, and to upholding the dignity of the religious leaders and beliefs of all sects.
Expressing confidence in the role of the religious community, Naqvi said the cooperation of scholars from all schools of thought would help ensure a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere across the city during the upcoming religious observances.
Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan also called on religious scholars to continue promoting brotherhood, tolerance and harmony, emphasizing that close cooperation between the administration, law enforcement agencies and religious leaders was vital for maintaining peace and public order in the metropolis.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026