Govt puts restrictions on ‘firebrand’ speakers

Move comes as an attempt to curb ‘inflammatory speeches’ during Muharram

KARACHI:

The Sindh government issued directives on Sunday to restrict as many as 142 'firebrand' religious speakers and scholars from "acting in a manner prejudicial to public safety and maintenance of public order" in the province.

A notification by the home department, pointing to the law and order situation during the month of Muharram, stated that the move had been made on the recommendation of Sindh IGP Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar.

The individuals in question, who have been listed in the notification, are forbidden from travelling to the province, or have been told to remain in their respective districts and enter a bond with the district administration or police pertaining to their conduct.

Furthermore, under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, they may not indulge in any actions, including making speeches, in Sindh that may incite sectarian, ethnic or religious sentiments or disturb the peace.

The notification added that the decision had been made because "there are reasons to believe they will make inflammatory speeches" and "their speeches, presence or other activities are likely to promote feelings of hatred and ill-will."

The order is to remain in force for 60 days, with immediate effect.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2020.