LAHORE: In a bold move to protect the integrity of Pakistan’s judiciary, the federal government has vowed to take strong action against those targeting Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa with threats and malicious propaganda. The latest developments involve a significant case filed against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Vice Emir Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah for incitement to violence against the top judge.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged at Lahore’s Qila Gujjar Singh police station by Station House Officer (SHO) Hammad Hussain. The report names Shah and 1,500 TLP workers, accusing them of issuing death threats to the chief justice. This case stems from a speech made by Shah during a protest rally outside the Lahore Press Club, where demonstrators were expressing their opposition to the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Mubarak Sani case.
The FIR includes charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), along with provisions related to spreading religious hatred, anarchy, pressuring and threatening the judiciary, and obstructing legal duties. The TLP is not alone in its opposition; Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S), Mili Yakjehti Council Pakistan (MYC), and Wafaqul Madaris-ul-Arabiya (WMA) have also voiced their discontent with the court’s decision.
Despite these protests, the Supreme Court has clarified that its verdict reaffirms that no one can be considered a Muslim without believing in the finality of the prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
State’s Firm Stance Against Religious Incitement
The federal government has made it clear that it will not tolerate any threats against the CJP. “The state will not allow anyone to issue a fatwa calling for someone’s murder,” declared Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during a press conference in Islamabad. Asif, accompanied by Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, condemned the ongoing propaganda against the chief justice, asserting that attempts are being made to exploit religion for political gains and incite violence.
Minister Asif emphasized that these malicious campaigns against CJP Isa must end, insisting on the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. He reiterated that no one can make baseless accusations against a judicial figure without facing legal consequences. The minister also highlighted that past verdicts in favor of certain parties have led to unwarranted campaigns against the CJP, a trend the government is determined to stop.
Planning Minister Iqbal echoed these sentiments, describing the threats as a “rebellion” against the Constitution. He stressed that terrorism, suicide attacks, and fatwas have no place in Islam and that the government will act decisively against such threats. Iqbal also recounted his own experience of an assassination attempt in 2018, lamenting that PML-N leaders have frequently been targeted under the guise of religious fervor for political ends.
Call for Religious Scholars’ Guidance
In a call for unity and guidance, the government has urged religious scholars to step forward and educate the nation. Minister Iqbal emphasized the importance of religious leaders in promoting peace and preventing the misuse of religion for inciting violence.
The government’s firm response and proactive measures highlight its commitment to safeguarding judicial independence and maintaining law and order. As the nation watches closely, the outcome of these actions will set a precedent for how such threats are handled in the future.