JI wants to become party in Sani case

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has requested the Supreme Court to make it a party in the criminal review petition filed by the Punjab government against its Feb 6 ruling in the Mubarik Ahmad Sani case.

The JI chief, Sirajul Haq, has moved this petition through Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, a former judge of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), contending that certain observations, directions, and findings recorded in the SC order had caused “disturbance, unrest and emotional disorder” among public at large.

“[The people] believe that their faith and religious feelings have been hurt by the order passed by the court.”

It said there was a general sentiment that recent observations made by the court had deviated from the longstanding constitutional commands and jurisdictions with regard to the extent of freedom of faith to be observed by the members of the Ahmadi community.

Referring to the statement issued by the Supreme Court on Feb 22, it said the court’s recognition of the right to assist for correction indicated that individuals who believed there was an error in the interpretation of the Islamic principles or legal provisions had a legitimate avenue to seek clarification or resolution.

“While the government of Punjab has filed a review with limited scope, specifically seeking an amendment to paragraph 9 [of the Feb 6 order], the appellant strongly believes that an in-depth analysis and a comprehensive review of the impugned order is required,” it said.