Millions of Muslim devotees on Tuesday began Aitekaf in mosques throughtout the country after Maghrib prayers.
During this period, participants will seek Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, considered superior to a thousand nights.
The Aitekaf will conclude upon sighting the crescent of Eid-ul-Fitr. Preparations for I’tikaf have been completed, with mosques expected to see increased activity.
Women will observe Aitekaf at their homes. Mosque committees have arranged special facilities for participants, including Sehar and Iftar in most locations.
This year, in addition to individual Aitekaf, various religious groups and institutions have organized collective Aitekaf sessions. At Data Darbar Mosque, around 1,600 devotees will participate. Historical Badshahi Mosque will host 800, while thousands will gather at Jamia Qadriya Mosque Choburji, Jamia Naeemia, Jamia Ashrafia, and Jamia Masjid-e-Shaheed.
The Department of Auqaf will cover lodging and meals for participants at Data Darbar.
Govt engaging clerics to promote interfaith harmony: minister
Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique on Tuesday said that the Punjab government was actively promoting interfaith and inter-sect harmony across the province with the cooperation of religious scholars.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the Imam Khomeini Trust Mianwali at the Punjab Home Department, held in line with the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to continue engagement with religious scholars.
Adviser to the Chief Minister Rana Bilal Ahmad also attended the meeting, while Secretary Home Ahmed Javed Qazi and other senior officials were present.
The delegation of religious scholars included Allama Intesar Hussain Naqvi, Allama Syed Kazim Raza Naqvi, Qasim Ali Qasmi, Mushtaq Hussain Kazmi, Syed Karam Hussain, Syed Khadim Naqvi, Chaudhry Safdar Hussain, Niaz Hussain Hashmi, Syed Ishtiaq Hussain Kazmi, Noor Elahi, Ali Shakir, Syed Shahid Hussain Gilani, Gul Muhammad Paracha and Qasim Ali Shah.
During the meeting, participants discussed security arrangements for Youm-e-Ali (RA) and the overall law and order situation in the province.
Salman Rafique said the chief minister had directed police and other relevant institutions to ensure foolproof security arrangements on the occasion of the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA). He added that all available resources were being utilised to maintain peace across Punjab.
He said the role of religious scholars was extremely important in maintaining peace during Youm-e-Ali (RA) and emphasised that unity and harmony were essential for ensuring stability in society. He added that peace committees across Punjab remained fully active during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana Bilal Ahmad said all segments of society stood behind law-enforcement agencies for the security and stability of Pakistan, adding that religious scholars played a vital role in promoting unity and harmony in society.
Secretary Home Ahmed Javed Qazi said strict security arrangements were being made for Youm-e-Ali (RA), Youm-e-Quds and Eid, adding that citizens should report sectarian or objectionable content on social media to WhatsApp numbers 03073087777 and 03073097777 for prompt action.
The delegation of religious scholars assured the government of their full cooperation for maintaining law and order and promoting unity among different schools of thought.
At the end of the meeting, prayers were offered for the peace, stability and prosperity of the country.