The banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Thursday issued a fatwa (edict) against at least 10 media outlets, including local and foreign television channels and radio stations.
Penned by TTP Central Deputy Chief Shaikh Khalid Haqqani, the “historic decree” singles out the reporters of five TV channels, Aaj, ARY, Express News, Geo and Samaa for being dealt with as per the TTP’s “jihad policy”.
The edict also justified the killing of those working journalists affiliated with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Deewa Radio, Mashaal Radio, Azadi Radio and Radio Apky Dunya.
Also, the cover page of the booklet displays the logos of large national and international media groups like the Voice of America (VoA), Fox News, Associated Press (AP), Pakistan Television, Geo, ARY, News 1, Samaa and BBC News. A sword is also shown falling on the logos displayed.
The fatwa titles as ‘Right and Wrong: Historic Decree of the Shura of Mujahideen Ulema about Dajjali Media’.
Basing their argument on verses 60-61 of Surah-e-Ahzaab of the holy Quran, the TTP blamed the media for playing a role against Islam and Muslims and promote ideological anarchy through propagating ideas and deeds that go against Shariah.
“Most of the journalists have these three traits in them. They insist to keep up with these (traits) instead of being repentant. So, the killing of the journalists with this character is justified in Shariah,” reads the 28-page fatwa the TTP’s “Umer Media” sent to Pakistan Today when this reporter emailed to a TTP spokesman asking for the latter’s version.
The Quranic verses, cited by the TTP, declare the hypocrites and those sick at heart spreading bad news in Madina, the first stronghold of Islam after the advent of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as condemned and punishable with death, if not reverted.
The fatwa was issued by Shaikh Haqqani in response to the query of former TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan who asked the religious scholars’ views on the mediapersons who, he said, were siding with the West and secular forces in the current war.
“[They] term mujahideen as terrorists and enemies of peace. Call crusaders (ISAF) as martyrs and Taliban as killed,” said Ehsan.
The media, the spokesman informed the Shura, was defending blasphemy and democracy, promoting promiscuity among Muslims and launching propaganda against Islam. “Is this freedom (of expression) justified in Shariah?” asked Ehsan on November 5, 2012.
In his detailed reply, Shaikh Haqqani gave the banned outfit a go-ahead to deal with stubborn reporters of the media outlets according to the TTP’s “jihad policy”. Others who are more detrimental should be taken action against categorically, the TTP deputy chief decreed.
“They, however, should be warned first,” he advised the Taliban.
At the end of the decree, Muslim journalists have been warned against loosing their most-valuable faith in the pursuance of worldly gains like money and fame.
The edict warned the Muslim mediapersons against acting like a dog that barks on every passerby.
The TTP is reported to have prepared a hit list for certain prominent media figures, including TV anchors, owners and other associates.
This pack of mass murderers think they alone speak for God!…they are liars who actually speak for shi’a tan….I hope all their supporters will realize that they can justify anything with their brand of sharia and if they get in power no one will be safe…they and all their extremist supporters in the JI, and PTI should take note…they do not stand for true peaceful Islam and are nothing but murderers and thugs…
They look like Scum, they act like thugs and they carry out cowardly attacks rather then fight fairly.
Dear friends , just read the urdu translation of the verses quoted by those taliban, you will surely know how they manipulate the verses in their favour. after reading the translation it will be clear that those ayats reflect about which people, and these silly people donot even know the exact context of Quran and are going for fatwas.
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