Religious group condemns protesters’ statements

Demands that TLP leaders take back remarks about Pakistan Army

LAHORE: A religious group, Tanzeem Ittehad-e-Ummat Pakistan (TIU), on Friday condemned ‘use of violence’ during the protests of a religious party against the Supreme Court’s October 31 verdict in the Aasia Bibi Case.

Addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club, the TIU leaders also asked the protest leaders to take back their remarks against state institutions, including the Pakistan Army.

The TIU Chairperson Zia-ul-Haq Naqshbandi said his party firmly believed that blasphemy could not be tolerated. “Every Muslim is an Aashiq-e-Rasool (PBUH). However, Islam and Ishq-e-Rasool (PBUH) do not allow vandalism, hooliganism and use of abusive language.”

He also condemned the protesters’ comments against the Pakistan Army and said enemies of Islam – Israel, India and America – want to weaken this institution. He demanded that the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) take back their statements against the Pakistan Army.

He also asked the state not to use violence against the protesters and resolve the matter amicably.

Nazir Khan – an activist of another religious group, Tehreek-e-Naujawan – said every Muslim including him is in agony over the verdict of Supreme Court. He said that peaceful protest is the right of every citizen but such agitation should be avoided at every cost. He also condemned criticism levelled against the army.