THE life threats against Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa issued by a party are totally unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. This dangerous rhetoric not only jeopardizes the safety of a key judicial figure but also undermines the fundamental principles of justice and the rule of law. It is reassuring to see that the federal government responded swiftly, taking decisive legal action against those responsible for this reprehensible behaviour.
The threats arose amidst a series of protests organized by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in reaction to a Supreme Court verdict concerning the Mubarak Sani case. During these protests, TLP leader Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah attempted to incite violence against the Chief Justice, a move that is not only deeply troubling but also fundamentally incompatible with the principles of law and order. This incitement to violence has been denounced by a broad spectrum of society. Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi rightly emphasized that declaring someone liable to death based on personal beliefs is contrary to both Shariah and the law of the land. The Supreme Court’s recent judgment, which categorizes Ahmadis as non-Muslim within the frameworks of Shariah, the Constitution and the law, has been misrepresented and exploited to incite unrest. It is crucial to understand that judicial decisions, while subject to debate, should be addressed through lawful and respectful means. The government’s commitment to holding those responsible for these threats accountable is essential. Such actions not only endanger individuals but also tarnish the nation’s image and the true teachings of Islam which promote peace, respect and lawful conduct. By taking strong legal measures, the government will send a clear message that such provocations will not be tolerated. Religious scholars also have a vital role to play in countering this kind of extremism. It is imperative for them to publicly denounce such threats and advocate for a message of peace and tolerance.
