On sectarianism: 'Govt must declare first day of Muharram a holiday'

KARACHI:

If the government can observe Democracy Day, Labour Lay, Sindhi Topi and Ajrak Day, and Kashmir Day, why can't it announce a holiday to mark the deaths of the four caliphs, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) central president Allama Aurangzeb Farooqui said on Sunday. "The government itself is responsible for sectarianism in the country."

The ASWJ organised a rally at Lasbela Chowk to observe Youm-i-Farooq-i-Azam that coincided with the first of Muharram when Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) embraced martyrdom.

Hundreds of ASWJ workers holding placards and banners marched on to Regal Chowk in Saddar where they were addressed by ASWJ chief patron Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi and central president Allama Aurangzeb Farooqui.

If the government can announce public holidays on Muharram 9 and 10, why can't it declare the death anniversaries of the caliphs as public holidays too," Farooqui said.

He said the ASWJ would observe Ashra-i-Farooq (RA) and Hussein (RA) across the country to end sectarianism. Farooqui also deplored the Muttahida Qaumi Movement's call to observe a black day on the first day of Muharram.

Ludhianvi spoke about the achievements and sacrifices of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA).

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2014.