‘Statues not permitted in Islam’, says K-P law minister over May 9 controversy

PTI workers were allegedly involved in attacking military installations, disrespecting memorials of martyrs last year

Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi, while addressing the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Thursday, stated that Islam does not permit the creation of statues, a sentiment echoed in the aftermath of the May 9 events.

He emphasised, "We do not recognise statues because Islam prohibits them."

Speaking on the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan from the high court premises on May 9, he noted, "The people reacted, and protests ensued, but we managed to control our workers." He questioned the whereabouts of videos allegedly showing incitement during the protests, adding, "A sovereign state belongs to its people, and after God, the people have the power to elect their representatives."

Afridi criticised the treatment of PTI members, saying, "What is happening to us today will happen to other political parties tomorrow, but we regret this injustice." He added that PTI members faced pressure to leave the party under the threat of legal repercussions, stating, "The judiciary was our only refuge, and it stood by us."

He also condemned the violation of parliamentary sanctity during the arrests of PTI members, describing it as an attack on the Constitution, democracy, and the voice of 250 million people.

"We will fight till the last ball," Afridi asserted.

PTI workers were allegedly involved in attacking military installations and disrespecting memorials of the martyrs after Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 last year.

The statues of Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed and other national heroes were desecrated in Mardan and other places.

Last year, the Mardan Police conducted a major operation resulting in the successful arrest of the accused responsible for vandalising the statue of Colonel Sher Khan Shaheed.

The accused, identified as Rehmatullah, was apprehended from the Gujargarhi area in Mardan. The arrest was made possible with the assistance of video evidence and the dedicated efforts of investigative agencies, said police in a statement.

Rehmatullah was reportedly captured on camera while committing the act of vandalism, which played a crucial role in tracking him down.

The incident of statue desecration took place outside the Punjab Regiment Centre, located in Mardan. The act of destruction not only outraged the local community but also drew widespread condemnation from citizens across the country.