The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has unanimously condemned sectarianism, hate speech, and extremism during the sacred month of Muharram. In a significant development, the council released a declaration titled “Paigham-e-Pakistan,” advocating a zero-tolerance stance against violence and sectarian conflicts.
The declaration emphasized that no individual or group should incite violence, provoke unrest, or take the law into their own hands, highlighting that Islam fundamentally promotes peace, tolerance, and respect for humanity. The council also identified the defamation of revered figures—including the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his wives, and the “Ahl al-Bayt” (family of the Prophet)—as a grave sin.
Additionally, the CII condemned the practice of “takfir,” which involves declaring fellow Muslims as apostates or infidels, categorizing it as a major transgression. This announcement coincided with the annual National Inter-Faith Harmony Conference held in Islamabad.
During the conference, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousuf confirmed that a strict code of conduct has been implemented nationwide for Muharram. He stressed that safeguarding the state’s security, upholding the constitution, and respecting the law are paramount responsibilities for every citizen.
The minister urged provincial and local administrations to actively discourage hate speech and inflammatory remarks, especially on digital platforms, while promoting dialogue and constitutional means to address theological differences. He also praised Pakistan’s civil and military leadership for their strategic efforts in securing internal peace and contributing to global stability.
“Pakistan has not only maintained internal harmony but has also played a crucial role in fostering global peace,” Yousuf remarked. “Following its pursuit of truth, Pakistan has emerged victorious in the global quest for peace, with the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal elevating the country’s international standing.”
In preparation for Muharram, the government has instructed local and district authorities to enforce stringent security measures around mourning processions and religious gatherings (majalis) to ensure public safety throughout the holy month.
