LAHORE: Tahaffuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat Mahaz (TNRM) staged a protest to condemn an amendment in section 295 C of the Pakistan Penal Code, claiming it is for the protection of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) honour on Wednesday.
A number of people participated in the protest. Participants upheld banners and placards and raised slogans against the government, especially targeting the Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer, who had visited Aasia Bibi, sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy, in Sheikhupura Jail and promised that he shall ask the president to pardon her.
The government should not be pressured by foreigners or the non-Muslim community of Pakistan especially the Christian community, the speakers said. They were of the view that non implementation of the court’s decisions has not only ‘disgraced’ the honour of the Prophet Muhammad but also the value of the court’s decision.
They demanded the government to stop attacks on the shrines and ongoing chain of terrorism in the country. They demanded that government should take steps against increasing inflation which was affecting the people, who were joining the terrorists and extremist groups.
“We respect all the messengers of God and we respect the prophets of Christians and Jews. They must also respect our Prophet,” Allama Athar-ul-Qadri said. TNRM President Allama Raza Mustafvi announced that they would hold a long march from Islamabad to Lahore on November 27 that would end at the Data Darbar.
He said that ‘faithful and lovers of Holy Prophet (PBUH)’ will join the march to condemn attacks on shrines and ‘Talibanisation’ in the country. Maulan Mujahid Abdur Rasool while addressing the protesters declared Governor Punjab Salman Taseer an ‘apostate’ and announced that his ‘murderer would get heaven in return for performing this service.’
He said, “Saying that governor resembles animals would be an insult to animals. The governor is uttering the words of President Zardari and we will launch a nation wide movement if the government attempts to repeal the blasphemy law.”
Mufti Masoodur Rehman demanded Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) and United Nations (UNO) to play their role in countering the ‘nefarious’ designs of people involved in blasphemy and formulate laws regarding the issue.
