Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Karachi President Allama Sadiq Jaferi emphasized respecting the right to mourning, calling it a constitutional, legal, and civic right. Addressing a press conference at Wahdat House, accompanied by Allama Mubashir Hasan and other leaders, Allama Jaferi declared mourning a centuries-old tradition.
The religious leaders encouraged scholars and speakers to focus on the administrative and political philosophy of Imam Hussain (AS) during Muharram. They demanded effective sanitation, lighting, and security measures along procession routes. They also appealed to NEPRA and power companies to ensure uninterrupted electricity throughout Muharram. The leaders stressed unity between Shia and Sunni communities in commemorating the grandson of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH).
Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen criticized the Sindh government’s poor performance, particularly before Muharram. They questioned the distribution of the city’s financial resources, highlighting Karachi’s dilapidated state, including damaged roads and a faulty sewerage network. They pointed to the lack of progress despite engaging with authorities at various levels. They added that the arrest of alleged RAW agents in Karachi and other areas emphasizes the need for the Sindh administration to protect scholars and speakers.
Addressing the Mayor of Karachi directly, the leaders expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in resolving civic issues, especially overflowing gutters and garbage piles, before Muharram. They demanded that the Sindh Chief Minister and Local Government Minister allocate specific funds for these matters and ensure sanitation, electricity supply, and security for Muharram processions. Citing a recent survey that ranked Karachi poorly for living conditions, they questioned the utility of the Local Government Minister’s large budget. They concluded by stating that Karachi, as a major center for Muharram commemorations, deserves better conditions.