PTI chief draws ire for ‘exploiting Khatam-e-Nabuwwat issue for political gain’

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has vowed to defend Section 295-C (blasphemy law) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), saying that he fully supports the law.

The PTI chief expressed these views during a press conference after addressing the Ullema and Mashaikh Conference at Golra Sharif in Islamabad on Saturday.

The Section 295-C of PPC pertains to “use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)” and states:

“Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”

During the press conference, Imran Khan further demanded that the Raja Zafarul Haq committee report on now-withdrawn controversial amendments in Khatm-e-Nabuwwat oath be published so that it could be known who the government wanted to please by hatching such a conspiracy.

Earlier, addressing the conference, Khan had urged the Ullema and Mashaikh to play their due role in spreading the message of love and peace.

Khan had further said that if Allah gives him a chance he will prove that a person can also come to power to establish a welfare state as per teachings of Holy Prophet (PBUH) instead of milking money.

‘ZIA IS ALIVE’:

However, Khan’s “exploitation of the Khatam-e-Nabuwwat issue for political gain” didn’t go well with the progressive side of Pakistan with many saying that the PTI chief is adamant on bringing back “Zia’s reign”.

Journalist and activist Bilal Farooqi wrote:

“Zia is alive and kicking! PTI Chairman Imran Khan says he fully supports Section 295-C (blasphemy law) and will defend it. Say hello to the new Mard-e-Momin, Mard-e-Haq!”

Zia is alive and kicking! PTI Chairman Imran Khan says he fully supports Section 295-C (blasphemy law) and will defend it. Say hello to the new Mard-e-Momin, Mard-e-Haq! pic.twitter.com/gP86kusYOq — Bilal Farooqi (@bilalfqi) July 7, 2018

One of the Twitter users expressed sympathy with the minorities, saying “my heart goes out to minorities that will be affected with this”.

@TellMamaUK @FaithMattersUK my heart goes out to the minorities that will be effected by this. https://t.co/7ExWDOefEH — Wasiq (@WasiqUK) July 8, 2018

Another Twitter user wrote: “PTI is exploiting the Khatam-e-Nabuwwat issue for political gain. Starts from the chairman himself, to candidates at corner meetings and rallies. Dangerous and quite depressing.”

PTI is exploiting the Khatam-e-Nabuwwat issue for political gain. Starts from the chairman himself, to candidates at corner meetings and rallies. Dangerous and quite depressing. https://t.co/JbP4Vq5N2H — Amber Rahim Shamsi (@AmberRShamsi) July 8, 2018

Another user wrote: “Zia is still alive…..”

ضیاء ابھی زندہ ہے ۔ ہر گھر سے ضیاء نکلے گا ۔ https://t.co/bX8nG6RXaR — khadim jmaat (@khadimjmaat) July 8, 2018

The user further drew the attention towards Pakistan being placed on Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list over terror financing and money laundering, expressing concern that the country could be blacklisted as well.

یہ گرے لسٹ سے بلیک لسٹ میں شامل کروانے کی پوری تیاری کرے ہیں ۔ پھر کہتے کہ ہم امن چاہتے ۔ منافقت زندہ باد — khadim jmaat (@khadimjmaat) July 8, 2018

Journalist Gul Bukhari said: “I don’t know if I’ve seen anyone campaign on 295-C before. THIS is what he has on offer? This article has only ever been used to victimise & persecute. Pls vote for Imran Khan to support if you support persecution & killing.”

I don’t know if I’ve seen anyone campaign on 295-C before. THIS is what he has on offer? This article has only ever been used to victimise & persecute. Pls vote for Imran Khan to support if you support persecution & killing. https://t.co/Rzs3C29MFH — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) July 8, 2018

It is pertinent to mention here that while the state has never executed anyone under blasphemy laws, mere allegations have prompted mob violence and lynchings.

Since 1990, vigilantes have been accused of murdering 65 people tied to blasphemy, according to research compiled by Pakistani thinktank, Centre for Research and Security Studies.