ISLAMABAD:
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday assured prominent Shia scholars of the government’s full support amid widespread grief and anger over US-Israeli attacks on Iran, saying all Pakistanis were saddened and national unity and restraint were vital at this critical moment.
In a meeting with prominent religious scholars, Naqvi said all Pakistanis were grieved by the attacks on Iran.
Referring to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he said: “The grief and anger of every Muslim over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is justified.”
“I and the entire government stand with you,” and even offered: “I am ready to join you in protest.”
The Interior Minister stressed that Pakistan must remain united in the face of external challenges.
“We are all one. The enemy is conspiring to divide us,” he said. He stressed that any protest must be registered while keeping national interests at the forefront. “We must register our protest while keeping national interests in mind.”
Naqvi praised the role of religious scholars in leading the nation through difficult times. “Religious scholars have always guided the nation in difficult times.”
He urged the protesters to exercise patience and discipline, adding: “Protesters should exercise patience and hold peaceful demonstrations, and in this regard, religious scholars should guide them.”
The religious scholars assured the interior minister of their full cooperation and described the situation as a major tragedy.
