THE horrific killing of a Sri Lankan national in Sialkot by a violent mob has brought embarrassment and disgrace to the whole country.
Conveying nation’s anger and shame, Prime Minister Imran Khan in a telephonic conversation with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured that justice would be done in the tragic lynching incident.
The despicable act of factory workers has once again jolted the entire nation. Political and religious leaders of different schools of thought have unanimously poured in with their condemnation. Under no circumstances, such an incident can be defended or condoned.
While Islam preaches respect for humanity, what the perpetrators did with Sri Lankan national was totally contrary to that spirit.
Efforts were being made to promote country’s soft image while this very act has caused an irreparable damage and the country will continue to see its adverse impact in months and years ahead.
World will not easily forget this incident, yet it is also for us as a nation to do a serious course correction before any other tragedy takes place.
In the presence of judiciary and other state institutions, there is no justification for any group to stage their courts and award punishments, no matter what the issue is, as this leads only to anarchy and chaos in the society. There should not be any delay in delivering justice to the bereaved Sri Lankan family.
Those responsible should be given an exemplary punishment to give the message that law still exists and prevails in Pakistan. This is also important to avert such incidents in future.
Moreover, greater responsibility rests with religious scholars to promote true teachings of Islam and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) towards rights of minorities.
