ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday categorically said that the government would not tolerate violence in the name of Islam or the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and those who commit such acts will not be spared.
The premier made these remarks during a condolence reference held at the Prime Minister’s Office for Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara who was brutally lynched by a mob in Sialkot last week over blasphemy allegations.
Members of the federal cabinet also attended the event, which was held in solidarity with Kumara’s family and the Sri Lankan nation and government. The premier also laid a floral wreath on a portrait of Kumara.
At the outset of the ceremony, the prime minister praised Malik Adnan, a factory manager who tried to save the life of the Sri Lankan national, saying it was admirable to see that a person tried to see another person’s life without caring for his own life.
“Role models are important in the country because people follow them,” Imran said, adding, “Moral power is greater than physical power.” “I am certain our youth will remember the way Adnan stood up to those monsters,” he said.
A certificate of appreciation was also awarded to Malik Adnan, while PM Imran had also announced that Adnan would be honoured with the Tamgha-i-Shujaat.
The premier said the Holy Prophet (SAWW) brought peace and justice to the Arab society and this world, adding that the first welfare state was established by the Holy Prophet.
In Pakistan, people are killing in the name of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), said the premier, adding that blasphemy accused rot in jails because lawyers and judges are scared to listen to the cases. “Judges refuse to hear blasphemy cases, we know that. Then who will defend these accused,” Imran added.
The premier said the attack on Army Public School in Peshawar united the nation against terrorism. “Just like that incident brought the nation together, now entire Pakistan has decided to put an end to such incidents,” he added.
The prime minister further said the business community of Sialkot has collected $0.1m for the deceased Sri Lankan citizen’s family, adding that the victim family will continue to receive his monthly salary for the duration of their lifetime.
Imran added that he established the Rehmatul Aalmeen Authority to spread the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) so that people could follow in his footsteps. “But we are heading in a completely different direction,” he said, urging the nation to study the life of the Prophet (PBUH).
PM Imran also said that the Sialkot tragedy was highlighted in India in an effort to defame Pakistan. “Their TV programmes called this incident a routine occurrence in Pakistan, which is unjust,” he said, adding that he would not allow such incidents to happen as long as he was alive.
Concluding his speech, the premier once again paid tribute to Adnan. “It was painful to see what the mob did [to Kumara]. But seeing Adnan restored our faith in humanity.”
On Monday, the mortal remains of the Sri Lankan national reached Colombo from Lahore airport, while an anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted physical remand of 26 accused for 15 days for investigation.
