Under attack: Centre asked to prosecute Qadri for treason

Mashhood says Qadri has made anti-Pakistan speeches.

LAHORE:

Punjab Law Minister Rana Mashhood on Thursday said the provincial government had sought permission from the federal government to initiate a treason case against Dr Tahirul Qadri.

Addressing press conference at the Hockey Stadium, he said that a citizen had lodged an FIR against Qadri under Clause Seven of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

He said treason cases were the mandate of the federal government. The Punjab government had therefore requested it to take notice of Qadri’s speeches.

He said that if a treason case was lodged against Qadri, his name would be put on the Exit Control List (ECL).

He said Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leaders, who had joined hands with Qadri, could also face legal proceedings.

He said the government was determined to root out terrorism and had instructed the police to monitor the school system where he had directed his followers to be well-equipped with weapons.

He said Qadri had refused to obey the Constitution and was inciting violence. He said he had declared war against the state. “How can we negotiate with an enemy of the state?” he said. He said Qadri was calling for anarchy and urging his followers to revolt against the government.

He said Qadri had not joined the judicial tribunal nor participated in the investigation of joint investigation team constituted following the Model Town killings.

He said Qadri had also hindered the work of Forensic Science Laboratory during its investigation of the Model Town violence.

He said the government had tightened security over the month and was impounding illegal vehicles and motorcycles.

He said Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan had also refused to accept the writ of the courts.

He said he was complaining of rigging in elections even though most election cases had been disposed of by election tribunals.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2014.