Alternative narratives: Several groups seek Qadri’s release
They demanded the acquittal and release of Salman Taseer’s killer.
Members of civil society burning candles at the occasion of death anniversary of Salman Taseer in Islamabad. PHOTO: WAZEER NAZIR
LAHORE:
Since former governor Salman Taseer’s death anniversary on January 6, certain religious groups have been holding regular protests demanding Mumtaz Qadri’s release.
On Tuesday, participants of a rally organised by Pakistan Muhafizan Khatam-i-Nabuwat in Township chanted slogans proclaiming Qadri a hero and criticised the government for not releasing him.
Addressing the protesters, Maulana Muhammad Azam Naeemi said Supreme Court must release Qadri. He said Qadri should be recognised as a hero for Muslims. He said if Qadri was not released soon, they would initiate a protest movement.
He sought a pledge from the participants to be ready to fight for the cause.
He also said the government should hang all other death row prisoners. He said the government would not be allowed to abolish death penalty.
Jamia Kulia Zahra nazim and Pakistan Anjuman Asatza leader Allama Muhammad Qasim Ali in a statement issued on Wednesday said there was a need to start a movement for Qadri’s release. He said it was the duty of Qadri’s followers to “silence his enemies.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Allama Pir Muhammad Atharul Qadri said Mumtaz Qadri’s actions had been in accordance with law and so he could not be prosecuted for it.
He said the government should acquit and release him. He also said he and his supporters would not allow abolition of blasphemy laws.
Tahaffuz Namoos-i-Risalat Mahaz president and Jamia Rasoolia Sherazia Nazim Allama Raza-i-Mustafa Naqashbandi in a statement issued on Tuesday said they would continue to demand Qadri’s release.
Human Libration Commission Chairman Aslam Parvaiz Sahotra said in a statement on Wednesday that Taseer had always spoken for the rule of law and for the rights of the marginalised.
He said he had sacrificed his life for the rights of minorities. He said Christians were being implicated in false cases and their properties damaged. He said intolerance of minorities was increasing.
“Minority rights activists are not safe,” he added. He said that the government must take solid steps to protect rights of minorities.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2014.
Since former governor Salman Taseer’s death anniversary on January 6, certain religious groups have been holding regular protests demanding Mumtaz Qadri’s release.
On Tuesday, participants of a rally organised by Pakistan Muhafizan Khatam-i-Nabuwat in Township chanted slogans proclaiming Qadri a hero and criticised the government for not releasing him.
Addressing the protesters, Maulana Muhammad Azam Naeemi said Supreme Court must release Qadri. He said Qadri should be recognised as a hero for Muslims. He said if Qadri was not released soon, they would initiate a protest movement.
He sought a pledge from the participants to be ready to fight for the cause.
He also said the government should hang all other death row prisoners. He said the government would not be allowed to abolish death penalty.
Jamia Kulia Zahra nazim and Pakistan Anjuman Asatza leader Allama Muhammad Qasim Ali in a statement issued on Wednesday said there was a need to start a movement for Qadri’s release. He said it was the duty of Qadri’s followers to “silence his enemies.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Allama Pir Muhammad Atharul Qadri said Mumtaz Qadri’s actions had been in accordance with law and so he could not be prosecuted for it.
He said the government should acquit and release him. He also said he and his supporters would not allow abolition of blasphemy laws.
Tahaffuz Namoos-i-Risalat Mahaz president and Jamia Rasoolia Sherazia Nazim Allama Raza-i-Mustafa Naqashbandi in a statement issued on Tuesday said they would continue to demand Qadri’s release.
Human Libration Commission Chairman Aslam Parvaiz Sahotra said in a statement on Wednesday that Taseer had always spoken for the rule of law and for the rights of the marginalised.
He said he had sacrificed his life for the rights of minorities. He said Christians were being implicated in false cases and their properties damaged. He said intolerance of minorities was increasing.
“Minority rights activists are not safe,” he added. He said that the government must take solid steps to protect rights of minorities.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2014.