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Law enforcement agencies were directed by the Interior ministry on Wednesday to take punitive action against those involved in publishing and distributing sectarian material in the country. The police chiefs of the four provinces and the federal capital had been directed to take action against police officials in whose precincts the publication of hatred material was being carried out, with termination from service being the maximum penalty. They had also been asked to direct the district nazims and district police officers to contact the prominent Shia and Sunni leaders in their areas to address their security concerns, sources told Daily Times.
The orders had been made after intelligence agencies warned that the recent surge in sectarian violence in Iraq could trigger a similar backlash in Pakistan. The situation could be exploited by militants who could target laces of worship and high profile officials, the sources said The interior ministry stated that since the issue had serious implications for public order and terrorism concerns, an immediate response by the law-enforcement agencies was essential. The provincial authorities have been asked to convene joint meetings of the district peace committees and the local religious leaders of both sectarian groups to reduce any possible reactionary feelings, sources added. The authorities have also been asked to beef up security around mosques and Imambargahs and arrest under Anti-Terrorism Act, any religious leader delivering proactive speeches. |