ISLAMABAD: Majlis Wahdat-iMuslimeen Chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas has strongly condemned the Punjab government`s restrictions on Muharram religious gatherings and processions, calling such actions unconstitutional, illegal and discriminatory.

Speaking at a press conference alongside senior party leaders at the National Press Club here on Monday, the MWM chairman said: `Azadari of Imam Hussain (AS) has been observed for centuries. It is a religious practice and a constitutional right of all schools of thought in Pakistan. Yet, every year, unnecessary hurdles andtensions are createdforthe people observing Muharram rituals.

`Punjab government officials are treating peaceful mourners as criminals and those officials` performance can be gauged by the fact that ban on delivering of Muharram Majalis speeches have been imposed even on some clerics and religious scholars who are now deceased.

He condemned the FIRs being filed against organisers and participants of Majalis, as well as bans on entry of clerics and religious scholars in different districtsandrestrictions on the use of sound systems.

He described bans on Azadari processions and inspections of Imambargah as hostile acts against the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of the country.

`No one has the right to interfere with our religious rites. These are not just mourning gatherings of Imam Hussain; these are part of the faith for Shias as wellSunnis of Pakistan,` the MWM Senator said.

Senator Abbas appealed to the Federal Interior Minister to take serious notice of the Punjab government`s actions and ensure that Azadari continues without obstruction in all parts of the country.

However, provincial minister Azma Bukhari defended her government`s measures. Addressing a press conference in Faisalabad, she claimed that comprehensive security measures were being adopted across the province to ensure peace and order during Muharram.

Ms Bukhari said the government was committed to upholding interfaith unity and preventing any disruption to the sanctity and solemnity of Muharram gatherings and processions. However, public cooperation in this regard was imperative, she said and appealed to religious scholars of all sects to play a role for the peaceful observance of Muharram.