The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Thursday that the moon for Muharram 1447 Hijri has been sighted across the country, with Ashura scheduled for July 6th (Sunday).
During a press conference, the committee’s chairman, Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad, stated that concurrent meetings of the central, zonal, and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees took place at their respective headquarters. He confirmed that the committee received numerous reports of moon sightings from various regions throughout the nation.
Muharram is recognized as one of the four sacred Islamic months. Ashura falls on its 10th day, commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), along with his family members, during the Battle of Karbala. Throughout Muharram, devotees organize processions and majalis nationwide. Religious scholars address large congregations under stringent security measures, with thousands of law enforcement personnel deployed to ensure safety.
Muharram Security Preparedness and Code of Conduct Enforcement
Furthermore, the decision regarding the suspension of mobile phone or internet services during the holy Islamic month will be made in consultation with the provinces. This was resolved during a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review the national security plan. The meeting assessed security preparations for Muharram across all provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and the federal capital, Islamabad. Officials agreed that strict action will be taken against individuals spreading religious hatred on social media platforms.
Naqvi emphasized that all necessary measures and decisions related to Muharram security will be undertaken through mutual consultation. He affirmed that the federal government will provide full support to maintain peace during the religious month. He further stressed that no individual will be permitted to incite unrest or engage in subversive activities. Naqvi stated that the enforcement of the code of conduct during Muharram will be ensured, and processions and gatherings will be monitored using modern technology. The meeting included briefings from the inspectors general of police and interior secretaries from the provinces, AJK, GB, and Islamabad. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Interior Secretary, and the Acting Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) were also in attendance.
State Authority to Address Hate Speech and Promote Harmony
Separately, the Ulema-Mashaykh Peace Conference was convened in Islamabad under the auspices of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). Dr. Raghib Naeemi chaired the event, which saw the participation of religious scholars from all schools of thought. A joint declaration issued after the conference underscored that all citizens must uphold their oath of loyalty to the Constitution and the State of Pakistan. It affirmed that the Constitution grants every citizen the right to assembly, belief, and worship, and also acknowledged the right of citizens to peacefully strive for the implementation of Shariah.
The declaration further asserted that armed action, violence, and chaos against the State constitute forms of rebellion. It urged citizens to fully support Pakistan’s armed forces and called for the avoidance of movements based on linguistic, regional, or sectarian biases. The declaration stated that the State has the right to take strict action against those who spread hatred and that imposing one’s beliefs on others through coercion is a clear violation of Shariah. It also warned that any public or private educational institution found imparting military training would face action. Additionally, the declaration called for measures against extremism and sectarianism. It stressed that no person shall insult Khatam-un-Nabiyyin (the Seal of the Prophets), the Companions, or the Ahl al-Bayt. It further emphasized that no individual should declare another a disbeliever (takfir).
