Pir Hameeduddin Sialvi of the Sial Sharif shrine has called off a protest aimed at 'bringing down the government' following discussions with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday.

"Peaceful Khatm-i-Nabuwwat and Sirat-un-Nabi conferences will be held [instead of the protests]," Sharif told media after the meeting, encouraging people to participate.

Responding to a question, he said that differences between the Pir and him had been created because of political opponents and a "religious group."

Earlier in the week, at a Khatm-i-Nabuwwat conference in Lahore, Pir Sialvi had set a deadline for the government seeking the enforcement of “Shariah” within seven days or risk protests "in every nook and corner of the country".

The conference had been attended by workers of the Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasul Allah (TLYR), the Sunni Ittehad Council, the Sunni Tehreek, and other allied groups.

The protest had originally started with the single demand for the resignation of Law Minister Rana Sanaullah for remarks he made in a TV programme.

Five PML-N lawmakers — two MNAs and three MPAs — had also submitted their resignations last month on Sialvi's call, as a protest against the non-removal of Sanaullah from his position.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...