July 29, 2024
By BILAL BASEER
ISLAMABAD
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has condemned the threats against Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa as a severe challenge to Pakistan’s constitutional integrity, vowing that the state will aggressively address attempts to incite violence under the pretext of religion.
On Monday, July 29, Asif, alongside Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, held a presser where they denounced the Tehreek-e-Labaik’s propaganda against Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa in the Mubarak Sani case as baseless and inflammatory. He asserted that the condemnation of such actions is crucial.
Asif clarified that CJP has no connection with the recent verdict in the Sani case.
He warned that allowing such actions could lead to the nation’s disintegration, as the public is being incited to commit murder and spread extremist content on social media.
“The government will take action as these statements are founded on falsehoods,” Asif said.
According to Khawaja Asif, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has been targeted over an extended period using various methods, with the reasons for this targeting well understood. He denounced the current efforts as a new attempt to undermine a judicial voice of truth, and assured that the law will take its course.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal while speaking at press conference declared that any public offer of a reward for the murder of the head of the judiciary constitutes an outright rebellion against Pakistan’s constitution and religion.
Iqbal stated that faith judgments are the domain of God not humans and those issuing fatwas on faith are usurping divine rights. He highlighted that Pakistan’s constitution, judiciary, and laws are in place to prevent any individual or group from issuing death fatwas.
Iqbal warned that if the power of punishment were given to groups and scholars, it would lead to conflicting fatwas and widespread violence.
Iqbal condemned recent attempts to incite violence under the guise of religion, pointing to incidents like the murder of a Sri Lankan national in Sialkot and similar events which tarnish Pakistan’s image globally while overlooking atrocities in neighbouring countries.
He also noted that both Asif and him have been subjected to blasphemy accusations and attacks, but emphasized the need to display Islam’s true, peaceful nature and challenge those who mislead others.