Expressing sever resentment over the desecration of Holy Quran in the United States, noted religious figure and khateeb of historical Masjid Mohabat Khan in Peshawar, Maulana Yousaf Qureshi, on Wednesday announced a Rs 1.5 million head money for pastor Terry Jones.
Qureshi also announced leading a rally against this act of the US priest after this Friday’s prayers.
The rally would be attended by people from all over Peshawar and its surrounding areas, he said.
“I will give the reward money to those who kill the US priest,” said Qureshi at a press conference.
Flanked by his aides, Maulana Qureshi said through such act, the US priest had not only indulged in desecration of the Holy Quran but had also fuelled tension and anger amongst the Muslims.
Qureshi said he met and remain in a debate with the US Priest Terry Jones in Washington (USA) Catholic University in 1986. According to him, Jones was even unaware of the Holy Bible.
“We having the right to declare head money for the US priest as the US already put known religious figure Hafiz Saeed on the list of wanted people,” Qureshi said to a question. He was hopeful about further increase in the head money as several people had contacted him.
Qureshi had also announced a $1 million head money for Salman Rushdie a couple of years ago.
He recalled that he had declared the amount on behalf a leading industrialist.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government strongly condemned the burning of the holy Quran by Pastor Terry Jones, Head of the Dove world Qutreach Center in Florida.
“We feel that such senseless acts would only inspire hatred and violence in the world,” said a Foreign Office statement on Wednesday.
“It is the collective responsibility of all governments and institutions to work closely on promoting harmony, peace and unity among people of all faiths,” it said.
