Ahle Sunnat: ‘Do not issue NOC for procession’

The ASWJ is alleged to be a re-grouped Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, which had been banned from operating.

LAHORE: Intelligence agencies have recommended to the Punjab government and the city district government that they not issue a no objection certificate (NOC) to the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat (ASWJ) to hold a procession on March 23rd at Minar-i-Pakistan. The ASWJ is alleged to be a re-grouped Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), which had been banned from operating. A letter sent to provincial and city government and police officers said that the ASWJ rally will be used to incite sectarian hatred. The Home Department has asked the CCPO and the DCO that an NOC not be granted to the group. The ASWJ had, earlier, arranged a conference at Alhamra, after obtaining an NOC from the district government, where its leaders had criticised Shias and Iran.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2012.