LAHORE – A religious scholar from Gujrat has issued a fatwa against Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan over his alleged speech regarding prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and demanded an open apology.

Pir Muhammad Afzal Qadri, who earlier issued Fatwa of infidelity against Shaan Taseer, has written an open letter to PTI leader Imran Khan over his alleged speech regarding prophet Muhammad (PBUH), warning him ‘dire consequences’ if he doesn’t render an apology.

It was alleged in the Fatwa that that Imran Khan, in one of his speeches, had said blasphemous sentences for the Prophet (PBUH).

According to Daily Pakistan, Pir Muhammad Afzal Qadri said that if the leader doesn’t render an open apology, the organisation will formally issue a religious edict, declaring him a ‘Wajib-ul-Qatal’ (liable to death).

“If the state fails to execute Imran Khan, it wouldn’t be a crime if any ‘aashiq-e-Rasool’ (lover of prophet P.B.U.H) kills him. He will be exempt from Qisas and Diyat (blood money),” Qadri told Daily Pakistan, adding the blood of blasphemer – in this case, Imran Khan’s – has no worth compared to Prophet (PBUH).

Just recently, Qadri had also issued a ‘Kufr’ fatwa against Shaan Taseer, son of the slain Governor Salman Taseer, for allegedly committing blasphemy in his ‘Christmas special’ video message.

It is pertinent to note that under the National Action Plan (NAP), religious extremism and persecution was outlawed.

Hate speech and threats under the label of religious beliefs were supposed to be dealt with high sensitivity. However, the majority of the hate speech has gone scot-free and religious groups continue to issue ‘Blasphemy’ Fatwas against people with virtual impunity.