KARACHI: A consultative meeting of the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) on Monday rejected a recent legislation to that enhances punishments for those who disrespect Ahle Bait or Sahaba-e-karam (RA).

A statement issued after the meeting, chaired by Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafari, called the new law `an attempt to religiously divide the nation`.

He announced plans for holding a major gathering in Islamabad where various religious and political groups would unite against the controversial bill.

Assuring that organisations of mourners would also participate in the gathering, he urged the people to stand united against any attempts to divide the country on sectarian lines.

The meeting participants also wondered as to how a `conspiracy` was hatched to present the bill shortly before the end of the National Assembly`s term, raising suspicions about the motives behind its timing.