Looking for unity: Jirga held in Hangu on inter-sectarian harmony

Peace initiatives, security measures discussed

HANGU: The Pakistan Army organised a jirga including Sunni and Shia scholars and elders in Hangu at the headquarters for Orakzai Agency, to discuss peace and security during Muharram.

Brigadier Ali addressed the jirga on Saturday as the chief guest and said both sects should work together to maintain peace in the region and to eliminate extremist elements among them. “We will not let anyone disturb peace during Muharram; if anyone attempts to do so, we will take strict action against them,” he added.

Ali said they have set up check posts at all entrance and exit routes to the agency to keep an eye on notorious elements. “Like we seal our borders
with India, we are now sealing roads for an Islamic ritual in our country which is a matter of huge concern,” he said.

He added people should respect every Islamic festival without any discrimination. He asked the participants to stop calling each other “infidels,” as “only God knows who is a Muslim and who is not.”

Political Agent (PA) Muhammad Zubair Khan said the administration has made all security arrangements regarding Muharram. No vehicles can enter the agency without getting clearance from the checkpoints, said the PA.

Shia and Sunni elders assured the political administration and security forces of their cooperation during Muharram.

Operation In charge for Hangu Colonel Maqbool, Hangu DPO Shah Nazar and several other political administration and military officials were also present on the occasion. Members of Imamia Rabita Council Zaheer Hussain, Haji Rehmat Hussain, Malik Irfan, Syed Abdullah Hussain Al Hussaini, Alama Khurshid Al Jawadi, and the representatives of Sunni Supreme Council Shad Muhammad, Rahim Umar and Mufti Imran also participated in the jirga.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2015.