The Shia Scholars Council in Punjab Calls for the Protection of Mourning Ceremonies and the Lifting of Restrictions on Their Conduct
The Shia Scholars Council in Punjab Calls for the Protection of Mourning Ceremonies and the Lifting of Restrictions on Their Conduct
The Shia Scholars Council in the Punjab province of Pakistan has called for the reinforcement of religious freedom protections and the assurance of Shia Muslims’ rights to hold gatherings and mourning ceremonies without unnecessary restrictions. The council affirmed its commitment to dialogue and constitutional and peaceful means to address issues related to religious rituals.
The council’s principal coordinator, Qasim Ali Qasimi, stated that the council will continue dialogue with the Punjab government, while also resorting to peaceful protests when necessary, stemming from its belief in constitutional rights and citizens’ rights to expression and peaceful participation.
He explained that the three regional heads of the council—Aalama Ishtiaq Hussain Kazmi, Syed Sajid Hussain Naqvi, and Aalama Amir Abbas Hamdani—have sent a letter to Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, calling for the issues facing Shia mourners to be addressed.
He noted that the council had announced plans for protests on the 2nd and 16th of August, which were later canceled following what he described as positive contacts with the provincial government. Further discussions with government representatives are scheduled for August 20.
According to Qasimi, the government has shown understanding regarding the council’s demands, expressing hope for practical steps to address them in order to strengthen constitutional rights and the sense of citizenship and belonging among Shia Muslims.
He stated that Shia Muslims in Punjab face, according to the council, restrictions on holding certain mourning ceremonies, alongside legal actions, arrests, and the inclusion of some individuals in the “fourth schedule,” calling for a review of these measures.
Qasimi emphasized that the council will continue to defend the Shia right to hold mourning ceremonies through legal, constitutional, and peaceful means, stressing the necessity to ensure citizens’ freedom to practice their religious rites and traditions in accordance with Pakistan’s constitutional principles.
