Development takes place after TLP leader announces head-bounty for Chief Justice of Pakitan Qazi Faez Isa over a verdict.
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 29th, 2024) Pir Zaheer-ul-Hassan Shah, the Naib Amir of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), was booked on Monday over threats made against Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa.
The complaint was filed by Hammad Hussain, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Qilla Gujjar Singh Police Station.
The reports said that Shah issued threats calling for the assassination of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, offering a bounty of Rs10 million for carrying out the act. The head-bounty was allegedly announced in response to a verdict by the Chief Justice.
The FIR lists several charges against Shah, including violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act, incitement of religious hatred, spreading disorder, pressuring the judiciary, threatening the high judiciary, interfering in government affairs, and obstructing legal duties.
During a protest outside the press club, Shah reportedly incited hatred against the judiciary, reiterating the reward of Rs10 million for the head of Justice Isa. Additionally, 1,500 TLP workers have been implicated in the case.
Earlier in the day, Federal Ministers Khawaja Asif and Ahsan Iqbal condemned the fatwa against Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, affirming that the state will take strong action against such threats. They also announced measures against those conducting social media campaigns targeting the Chief Justice.
“Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has been targeted for a long time," said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during a joint press conference with Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad. He emphasized, “The state will not allow anyone to issue murder fatwas,”.
Asif stressed that while Khatam-e-Nabuwat is a core belief, the state cannot tolerate calls for violence. He called on scholars and clerics to help project a positive image of islam.
Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the government's stance, condemning any fatwa against the judiciary. He announced legal action against those who incite violence against the Chief Justice. "Statements offering rewards for beheading the Chief Justice are highly condemnable," Iqbal said.
Both ministers criticized the use of religious sentiment for political gain, referencing recent protests. They called for an end to such exploitation in the name of religion.
Iqbal also highlighted the importance of the constitution and judiciary, asserting that no one has the right to call for extrajudicial killings. He warned that such actions could lead to widespread violence and chaos. Emphasizing unity, he pointed to global conflicts where Muslims are being targeted, underscoring the need for solidarity rather than division.
