Tribune’s Gamechangers 2011: Malik Ishaq

Out of jail, back in jail.

A garlanded Ishaq grinned as he left Kot Lakhpat Jail. Fourteen years in jail – on charges of killing 70 people in 44 cases – didn’t dent Ishaq much.

After his release, the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi leader went on a speaking tour as crowds chanted hateful slogans towards a religious sect and reports claimed Ishaq was back to no good. Reports by The Express Tribune found that Ishaq had been given police guards and his family was provided a stipend by the government.

Ishaq continued to play an active role and it was only until the massacre of 26 Shia pilgrims in Mastung, Balochistan, that LeJ claimed responsibility for, that the government of Punjab detained Ishaq and one of his associates under the Maintenance of Public Order Act.

Quote: “We will continue our struggle.”