The federal government has approved a unified system for Azan (call to prayer) and congregational prayer timings in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to promote religious harmony and unity.
The decision was made during a consultative meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, with participation from religious scholars of all schools of thought and representatives of the business community.
Participants unanimously agreed on adopting a common prayer schedule.
Sardar Yousaf said a calendar for unified Azan and prayer timings would be issued soon, adding that legislation to extend the system nationwide is already in progress through the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
He noted that implementing the initiative in Islamabad would create a model for the rest of the country. Traders in the twin cities have also shown willingness to voluntarily close shops after Azan to facilitate congregational prayers.
The government is considering launching the system with Friday prayers as a pilot phase, with plans for wider implementation later. The minister said the move aims to strengthen religious unity and harmony across the Muslim community.