Naqvi Vows Online Crackdown on Sectarian Content, Discusses Muharram Security
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State Tallal Chaudhry chaired a Paigham-i-Aman Committee meeting in Islamabad, focusing on Muharram arrangements and combating online sectarian incitement. The committee resolved to take action against those spreading sectarianism on social media, emphasizing the need for inter-sect harmony and public awareness against extremism. Minister Naqvi also acknowledged Pakistan's role in recent US-Iran negotiations, crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their contributions to a historic agreement. The meeting concluded with a special prayer for the nation's security and stability.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry co-chaired a special meeting of the Paigham-i-Aman Committee on Tuesday in Islamabad. The session focused on arrangements for Muharram and strategies to curb sectarian incitement, particularly online.
The committee deliberated on measures to foster inter-sect harmony and religious tolerance during Muharram, which is observed by Shia Muslims worldwide to commemorate the Battle of Karbala. The first of Muharram is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, with Ashura on June 26. A key decision from the meeting was to initiate action against individuals spreading incitement and sectarianism via social media platforms.
Minister Naqvi highlighted the ministry's priorities, including maintaining strong and consistent contact with religious scholars (ulema). He announced plans to activate the Paigham-i-Pakistan Committee down to the district level. Naqvi emphasized the importance of public awareness against terrorism and extremism, stating that Islam does not permit rebellion against the state or spreading chaos. He added that a coordinator would be appointed for the peace committee, underscoring that maintaining law and order during Muharram is a "collective responsibility."
During the meeting, Minister Naqvi also discussed Pakistan's involvement in US-Iran negotiations, which led to an agreement announced on Monday. He attributed Pakistan's leadership in these talks to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and highlighted the pivotal role played by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, describing him as a "captain on the ground."
Naqvi stated that Field Marshal Munir was a figure trusted by all parties in the US-Iran discussions, asserting that his firm stance and ability to identify mistakes strengthened mutual trust. He recounted an instance where, as ceasefire talks neared collapse, the CDF's appeal to Iranian negotiators influenced them to move forward. Prominent religious scholars, provincial and regional peace committee coordinators, and various government officials attended the meeting. Religious scholars present offered tributes to the Prime Minister, CDF, and Interior Minister for their efforts in the peace agreement.
According to Dawn Pakistan, the meeting concluded with a special prayer for the country's security, stability, and law and order.
