ISLAMABAD:
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday assured prominent Shia scholars of the government’s full support amid widespread grief and anger over the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, saying all Pakistanis were saddened and national unity and restraint were vital at this critical juncture.
During a meeting with prominent religious scholars, Naqvi said that all Pakistanis were distressed by the attacks on Iran.
Referring to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he said: “The pain and anger of all Muslims over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is justified.”
“I and the entire government are with you,” and even offered: “I am willing to join you in the 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 keeping national interests at the forefront. “We must register our protest keeping in mind national interests.”
Naqvi praised the role of religious scholars in guiding the nation in difficult times. “Religious scholars have always guided the nation in difficult times.”
He urged protesters to show patience and discipline, adding: “Protesters should show patience and carry out peaceful protests, and in this regard religious scholars should guide them.”
Religious scholars assured the Home Minister of their full cooperation and termed the situation a great tragedy.
