Of threats: JUI-F, JI, religious parties warn of agitation if Qadri hanged

Say NAP will be affected if ulema start protest

PESHAWAR: Religious parties on Monday warned the federal government of protests if Mumtaz Qadri, Salman Taseer’s murderer, was hanged as per the verdict of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

“It will have dire consequences for the country,” said Jamaat-e-Ahle Sunnat leader Allama Noorul Haq Qadri. “It just needs one Friday announcement to mobilise people,” he said.   Noorul Haq said they believed in the rule of law, but the Federal Sharia Council of Islamic Ideology should have been consulted before a verdict was issued.

Religious parties and other groups on Monday held a press conference at Peshawar Press Club under the leadership of Noorul Haq to express their support for Mumtaz Qadri. Leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamaat-e-Ahle Sunnat, Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan, Jamat-e-Ahle Hadis, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-S, Marak-e-Ahle Sunna and other religious groups gathered to support the murderer of the former Punjab governor.

“This issue is like a fire and everyone will be thrown into it. Therefore, the government must not take such steps that could undermine the feelings of people of the country,” warned Noorul Haq.

He said the National Action Plan, announced by the government to eliminate militancy and terrorism would also be affected if the ulema started a protest. Under the unanimous resolution passed by all the religious parties, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, the ulema demanded that the government implement the Tahaffuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat in letter and spirit.

They asked the government to refer the case of Mumtaz Qadri to the Federal Sharia Court. They asked for the immediate release of Qadri otherwise they would start an organised movement in which all religious political parties would participate.

Party representatives stressed on the need for political support to pressure the government.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2015.