Pakistani Clerics from Major Islamic Sects Offer Joint Prayers
It was a step presented by officials as part of a wider effort to reduce sectarian tensions and strengthen religious harmony.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Pakistan Scholars Council chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Ashrafi said the collective prayers reflected an encouraging shift within religious circles.
Ashrafi, who also serves as the prime minister’s coordinator for the National Paigham-i-Aman Committee, said the recent visit to the seminary brought together representatives of Shia, Barelvi, Deobandi and Ahle Hadith traditions.
According to Ashrafi, members of the committee offered Maghrib prayers behind the designated imam of Jamiatur Rasheed.
He described the gathering as an important development in efforts aimed at confronting extremism, terrorism and sectarian violence.
At the media briefing, Ashrafi said the event marked a rare moment in the country’s religious history, with scholars from all major schools of Islamic thought praying together at a prominent seminary.
"Offering prayers together symbolises growing tolerance in society, especially among religious circles," Ashrafi said.
"This is an unprecedented demonstration of religious harmony and national unity by the National Paigham-i-Aman Committee, bringing together eminent ulema and mashaikh, representatives of major religious seminaries, and leaders from different faith communities," he also stated.
Established in September 2024, the committee includes clerics, religious leaders from non-Muslim communities and senior government officials. Its stated purpose is to counter extremism, hate speech, terrorism and sectarianism.
He added that the peaceful observance of Muharram had been among the committee’s notable achievements.
Source: Pakistan Today
