The ban on Shezan drinks on the district courts premises initiated by the Lahore Bar Association (LBA) has split the association.
The Khatme Nabuwat Lawyers Forum (KNLF) started pasting stickers at the canteens of the sessions and district courts on Wednesday. The stickers warned the faithful against drinking Shezan drinks.
After rights activists and lawyers criticised the ban on Shezan products, a split has occurred with the LBA. KNLF president Advocate Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry, who inititated the resolution seeking a ban on Shezan products as they were Ahmadi owned, was pasting stickers in the canteens.
Some LBA office bearers, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune, that they found the decision to ban Shezan products condemnable. They had said they had not been present when the ban was decided on. They said such a ban would promote secretarianism.
Speaking with The Express Tribune, Lahore Bar Association Vice President Rana Javed Bashir Khan said he had not been involved in the sticker campaign.
He said canteen managers at subordinate courts would be directed over next three days to stop buying or selling Shezan drinks. He said strict action would be taken against those who did not heed the ban.
LBA President Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali said that no resolution in this had been passed by the LBA general body.
He clarified that Shezan drinks had been banned in subordinate courts by the bar executives as they were the products of Ahmadis. Ali added that a resolution in this regard would be discussed in the general body but considered it unlikely that the ban would be lifted.
Jamate Ahmadia Pakistan spokesperson, Saleemuddin, condemned the decision and wondered what sort of message this sent out to the international community.
Canteen owners said while stickers had been pasted on their counters and freezers, they had not received clear directions from the LBA.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 16th, 2012.
COMMENTS (69)
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i like shezan juice .........
This country has no future.
If any drink deserves to get banned, it is "Dum Kiya hua pani by a maulana" which has nothing in it except germs. The government should at least impose Excise duty and sales tax on "Taweez", "Dum Kiya Pani" and "Dumdar Phoonkain", these guys are making millions by selling superstition branded by sectarian hatred.
i think its the wrong debate. We have managed to achieve a bigger goal and gotten Ahmedis declared as a minority.
Having done that, the land and its law is for all its citizens to be treated equal.
if no to Shezan then what about PEPSI, TELENOR (From Norway), COCA COLA (From USA), LAYS, SUNSILK, LUX ETC!
Unfortunately, the resolution has come from the custodians of law !!
What a shameful resolution....
We love our Ahmedi brothers and sisters! Long live Ahmedis!
Going through the comments so far, I am tempted to repeat here a comment, made at some other forum i.e. "Pakistan is an wonderland where everyone is an alice." It's quite funny that those who support the ban and those who don't, both reffer to the same sacred scriptures (supposedly fixed in time and stuck in space) to justify their stand. That's the beautiy of Islam.It's not rigid; rather it has the flexibility which allows the followers to do whatever they want to and still remain true to their religion.
Hai rabba, what a discussion !!! It is simply a product for consumption, nothing else. Ahmadi or qadiani are considered Muslims here in India under the constitution. It is simply a drink made by an entrepreneur, encourage him to export and counter coke and Pepsi if you want your people to forget coke and Pepsi. One should not kill the child before birth or even after but rab de sau, how illogical can a society get. Rab rakha, sat Sri akal , salam . Bye
@wasim: Hang on a moment, did you say Ahmadis are enemies of Pakistan? Seriously have you been sniffing something or just being blinded by the prejudice, now lets start counting the enemies of Pakistan? I will count non-Ahmadi enemies of Pakistan and I want you to count enemies of Pakistan who were Ahmadis. I assure you, It will be countless no on my list, whereas you won't find a single. We didn't even burn tire or blocked any roads or posed any violent protest when "you" killed our 90 innocent brothers while worshipg Allah. I'm waiting for anyone to come with any name who was Ahmadi and has done any harm to this country of ours. We are the liberator and we will be the protector of this country, Inshallah.
@Shaheena and others -
So do you mean that loving your Prophet needs you to hate Ahmadis or other non-Muslims? Do you think love for one necessitates hate for some other? Do you think that your Prophet would be glad when he hears that you are filled with hatred for something which is perceived to be created by the same God whom your Prophet represents? Do you believe that Prophet endorses persecution of people irrespective of their faith since they don't align with what Muslims think? Don't you think that your deeds does not concur with how the prophet would have behaved with non Muslims , on the contrary it maligns his teachings? You may be loyal to a group of Mullah but do you think that you are doing justification to the Prophet?
@mani: Its not a matter of borders. it relates with our love for holy Prophet PBUH
@JS: Pakistani atomic bomb was made by Dr. AQ Khan who is a true lover of Holy Prophet PBUH.Please donot misguide the people
@lida: If someone boycott some products then why to make noise?
I never had Shehzan before but definitely I'll get one right now :)
@ Usman, plz leave Pakistan, there is no freedom for minorities/liberals/atheist, i dont belong to ahmadi community, but i am a non-muslim, we should leave Pakistan asap, this country has nothing to give us!
I'm an Ahmadi (muslim) and I know it! Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle
Shehzan all the way! \m/
PS: Love for all, hatred for none!
If one man (Zia Ul Haq) can change the fates and lives of Pakistani minorities (non-muslims, ahmadis etc) and corrupts the mindset of majority Pakistani muslims, then we need one Jinnah again who can change the corrupt mindset of the majority of Pakistani muslims! Looking at the current situation, where even Pakistani youth are hampering on Islamic Pakistan, thus there will no freedom for minorities/liberals/atheist/women, i can only say, Pakistan is a big mistake!
A country based on religion is never good!
I just saw on times of India that a 'Saffron brigade' stops Hindus to sell property to Muslims in Posh areas. I am seriously thinking that there is something wrong in thinking of people on both sides of borders when it comes to deal with minorities.
What about PEPSI, COCACOLA, LAYS, Pantene, Head&Shoulders, etc.....When mullah will stop these things of jews?
What next? Use filters to prevent inhaling air which may have traces of wind released by some one they do not likeWhen our Prophet (saw) visited Taif for preaching and was chased and bloodied by the ill-meaning people of Taif he (saw) took refuge in a vineyard of a non-Muslim who offered him (saw) his grapes.
That was tolerance and display of humanity 1500 years ago and observe the utter lack of it today.
Shouldn’t LBA have banned the products invented or manufactured by the Jews, Hindus, and Christians also - who they vociferously blame for the massacre of Muslims and inflicting all the atrocities upon them. Or, just because without these products they, perhaps, cannot live for a minute, it is wise to spare them. And, because Ahmadis are weak, it is ok to do whatever they like to do with them.
Human prejudices at its highest or human dignity at its lowest? Your pick.
What message this will give to the international community and what signals do we want to pass on to the general public against a sect which has already been persecuted to an extreme extent? Comon Pakistan, enough is enough. Just think if you are a member of this community?? Just imagine? Just put your feet in their shoe just for a second - and think again. I'd say government of Pakistan should say Sorry to Ahmadiyya community for what they have done to them in last thirty years and so. Be brave. If Kevin Rud can say sorry to Aborginies in Australia why can't government of Pakistan?
This is a shameful act at LBA and this type of attitude must be stop . the banned wanting lawyers seems agent of any other product and they always be ready to do any thing for money ....!!!
Oh watta an issue to discuss, after banning Shezan all Politicians will serve country honestly, all corrupt judges will give justice to poor people, all police men will try their best to stop crime,and our dishonest corrupt military will protect Border, our Mullahs will teach real Islam... etc etc.... ?? as Shezan drinking was a big problem. So keep drinking "Sharab" (Alcohol) that will help u to guide on right way
As an Ahmadi I've witnessed these "saviours of Islam" come thundering down upon us so many times and destroying the global image of Islam and Pakistan instead. How can we preach Islam to others when we have all this nonsense to show for it?
what is wrong with boycotting Shezan is some one wants to? It is not illegal, it is a personal choice.
@Abrar: It comes from Mecca
The title of the article should have been "To Shezan or not to Shezan: Is that really the question?"
We need to educate these innocent movers of the resolution that Shezan is a Pakistani product and it is nothing to do the religion. Is there any verse in the Quran regarding boycotting or not trading with non-muslims or non-believers. Is there any hadith in this regard or can we support this action from the life of Muhammad (PBUH) - I think there is no such example in authentic history of Islam. I am of the opinion that their resolution per se is un-islamic and these lawyers should be condemned for passing an un-islamic resolution. I would very humbly request please do not play with the religion and don't use the religion for your vested interests. May Allah be your guide.
This is not first time. Such efforts has been made in past and went in vain. Every time these efforts resulted into favor of Shezan. Keep up banning Shezan and increase it's sale
@wasim: I feel sorry for you.
where are our high and mighty lord justices? this is happening right under their noses and they choose to ignore it.
My knowledge would suggest that its a Pakistani company regardless of who the owner is. As long as the company pays taxes to the government and deliver quality, there should absolutely be no problem for anyone to drink from Shezan. If the money Shezan generates is funded for Ahmadi Dawa'a (call to ahmadi faith), than i wont be a part of it because my religious would be otherwise. Other than that i believe Shezan has a repute both in and out of Pakistan, Shezan is even sold in London, Newyork and Australia, so its pure business.
@wasim: why? ahmadi's are our fellow counrty men, and have served Pakistan in every sphere of activity. such bigotry and blind hatred is the reason for the mess this country is in. i am ashamed of pakistanis like you.
I LOVEEEEEEEEE SHEZAN and will continue to drink it even though I am not an Ahmadi just like I continue to drink Coke and Pepsi which I think is made by the Jews. Tribune needs to take a picture of KNLF's President drinking coke or pepsi or having pringles or super crisp...or something.
These Lawyers are the people who are supposed to give justice to our nation, how sad!
No one on this planet has the right to declare a faith as right or wrong. It"s THE SUPREME CREATOR of Universe who has to decided what is right and what is wrong. I would call what these Lawyers are trying to do as Shirk. We are not supposed to hurt the emotions of our fellow human-beings.
E T is part of promoting this issue by displaying the brand LOGO
@Asher: Then i request you to please also put a ban on the products of lever brothers, pepsi, coca cola, KFC, Mc Donalds, Proctar & Gamble, in addition stop using Mobile Phones as these companies are also owned by Jews, and Christians. I think you are a strong supporter of Jews and Christians as you are really fond of these things.
its nonsense, what about the products and aid of those country who do no belive in islam.most aid to pakistan comes from the country who do not belive in islam. not only aid but many new products like coke,lays,nestle choclate are not made by muslims.even old cloths come from kafir countries.
i liked shezan juice especially mango it was cheaper than nestle
@MChaudhry: Mash bear that you?!?!?
The last article I read before this was about a survey where majority of Pakistanis are noted as considering themselves Muslims first and anything else later. Islam is supposed to open ones mind and make a person sensible.... these people are turning in to mindless idiots
It is a blessing in diguise for Shezan . It will boost their sales.
I don't like Shezan either - makes my 'eeman' all gooey. All my 'sawab' evaporates and gives me gas trouble.
For gods sake lets think beyond religion; its a personal thing and lets not judge anyone by it. If we want to move forward as a nation lets become one..all of us!
@Asher: And making juice was bad for Pakistan how? Not like they were making drugs or tainted medicines. I hope friends like you change their bigoted way of thinking.
definitely drinking more shezan now!
@wasim and asher
Ahmadis were Pakistan's enemies cause they made the mistake to charter the Lahore Resolution, Fight for the Kashmir cause both phyiscally (Read Furqaan Force) and intellectually (Sir Zafarullah Khan arguing in the United Nations). Ahmadis are Pakistan's greatest enemies cuz they gave Pakistan their first nobel laureate,cuz the first general injured in the war front was an ahmadi and because they did not react with force everytime your mullah friends put their wrath on them....Yes call them american agents call them Israeli sympathesizers but never call them Muhabb-e-Pakistan because all they did was against the interests of this country...
And who makes Pepsi and CocaCola?
I love shezan
@wasim:
"Ahmadi’s are and were always pakistan enemy. (sic)"
Ahmadies have always been loyal and hard working citizens of Pakistan. From Zafrulla Khan to Abdus Salam to an ordinary clerk, Ahmadies have worked for the betterment and welfare of Muslims.
Lies spread by ignorant and illiterate mullas has created wrong concept.
@wasim: would you like some pepsi instead? with some lay's chips? while wearing a suit and tie? using a chinese manufactured phone? i can keep going with this.
i would buy shezan, but they seriously need to improve their quality, no racism :S
@Asher People with your mindset are bad for Pakistan. The founder of this country was persuaded to go back to India and fight for Pakistan by an Ahmadi (A.R. Dard), after the quaid quit politics and moved to England. This country's so called "Islamic Bomb" was also created under the guidance and because of the scientific work of an ahmadi (Abdus Salam).
Id rather ban bigotry than juice. How strange that we are happy to take aid from all over the world, and refuse to drink shezan juice. At least it doesnt result in dead people , unlike most secretarian minded political parties.
This is nothing more than a publicity stunt for the LBA. I wonder if they realize that most of the publicity is actually going to boosting shezan sales? They may have lost one court's canteen but they've gained hundreds and thousands of customers because of this fiasco.
Only country in the world where we have racism and ethnic discrimination explicitly written into the constitution and each and every passport...
i will not drink shezan now, never. when other option are available. Ahmadi's are and were always pakistan enemy.
@lida: thats make me ban shezan right now. Anything thing these AHMADIS do is bad for pakistan.
This is the main reason why Pakistan is so backward. It always mixes religion and commerce / business and gets sentimental and becomes a emotional fool.
hmmm while these well educated lawyers ban shezan do they ever ponder on the fact that every day Americans are killing numerous Muslims while these lawyers enjoy coke and lays after every session.....................................food for thought
Those who drink from the cup of ignorance, do not deserve a delicious juice like Shezan anyway.
thats make me buy shezan right now. Anything thing these mullahs do is bad for pakistan.
so do the reverse.