Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has entrusted the management of sealed mosques to Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, following the federal government’s decision to ban Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
According to an official press release, Maryam Nawaz chaired a special meeting of the Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen Committee in Lahore, attended by Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Chairman of Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan, as a guest of honor. Religious scholars from various schools of thought expressed complete support for the provincial government’s peace efforts and endorsed its measures to maintain religious harmony.
During the meeting, it was decided that the management of sealed mosques would be handed over to Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan. The Chief Minister also directed the immediate release of individuals proven innocent and emphasized their dignified return home.
Maryam Nawaz instructed officials to ensure the sanctity of religious symbols and sacred names on posters and banners. She also approved, in principle, a monthly stipend of Rs25,000 for mosque Imams and allowed Azaan and Friday sermons to continue without restrictions.
Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and the Secretary Law & Order were designated as focal persons to coordinate with religious scholars. Citizens were informed that reports about innocent detainees could be submitted through helpline 15.
The Chief Minister condemned those exploiting mosques for political motives or inciting unrest, warning that such actions would not be tolerated. She noted that while Palestinians were celebrating a ceasefire, some elements in Pakistan were provoking unrest under the guise of religious solidarity, which she called “deeply regrettable and unacceptable.”
Maryam Nawaz also criticized the burning of sanitation vehicles under the “Suthra Punjab” initiative, terming it a loss of public property, and reiterated the government’s commitment to protect diplomatic missions.
Responding to a statement from an imprisoned political leader claiming hundreds of deaths, she questioned, “If hundreds were truly killed, where are the bodies? He’s been in jail for two years yet continues to spread sedition.”
Concluding the meeting, Maryam Nawaz announced that under the directives of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government will fix the monthly stipend for 65,000 mosque Imams at Rs25,000—up from Rs15,000—to lessen their dependence on public donations.
Earlier, on October 23, the federal cabinet led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unanimously approved declaring Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) a banned organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
