Levelling blasphemy charges without evidence is un-Islamic, say religious scholars

ISLAMABAD: Religious scholars from all sects on Tuesday called the levelling of blasphemy charges against anyone without evidence is an un-Islamic act.

During a joint press conference in Islamabad scholars of different sects condemned the lynching of a Sri Lankan citizen by a mob in Sialkot.

The scholars who addressed the press conference included Pir Naqibur Rehman, Pir Ali Raza Bukhari, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Mufti Taqi Usmani, Allama Amin Shaheedi and others.

While commenting on the Sialkot incident, the scholars said that they had come to express condolence and solidarity over the issue.

Read more: Sri Lanka satisfied over Pakistan’s action in Sialkot lynching case

They said that the incident was a tragedy that was condemned across the world not just in Pakistan.

“This is an extrajudicial murder and a very brutal incident. Levelling blasphemy charges against anyone without evidence is purely an un-Islamic act,” they said.

The scholars added that such killings should be condemned, adding that they were also against the Quran and Sunnah, not just the Pakistani laws.

The scholars demanded the government to take strict action against the elements involved in the brutal killing.

Separately, Special Representative to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Interfaith Harmony Tahir Ashrafi along with delegation of religious scholars from different schools of thought visited Sri Lankan High Commission and conveyed their condolences to express solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka over the tragic Sialkot incident.

Speaking on the occasion, renowned religious scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani said the delegation conveyed their heartfelt sorrow over the barbaric incident to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, victim’s family and the people of Sri Lanka.

Read more: Pakistan in shock over ‘ghastly murder’ of Sri Lankan national, says CM Buzdar

“Pakistan and Sri Lanka are two friendly countries and this tragic incident is not only painful for Sri Lanka but also for all of us as a shared grief,” he said.

Mufti Usmani said that due punishment would be given to the culprits involved in this heinous act of barbarism.

SAPM Ashrafi said the followers of all religions and religious scholars in the country strongly condemned the lynching of the Sri Lankan factory manager.

He said all leaders of religious organisations expressed grief and condolence with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and people of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan factory manager lynched by a mob in Sialkot

Last week, a Sri Lankan national, who was working as a manager at a private factory in Sialkot, was beaten to death and his body was later set on fire by a mob over alleged blasphemy.

As per the initial reports, the incident had taken place on the Wazirabad Road of Sialkot where most factories are located.

Read more: Sri Lankan factory manager lynched by mob in Sialkot

District Police Officer (DPO) Sialkot Omer Saeed Malik had confirmed to Bol News that Priyantha Kumara was a Sri Lankan national and living in Sialkot. He added that Kumara was severely beaten to death by the employees of the private factories and later his body was burnt by the mob.