In a disconcerting development, the Darul Ifta at Jamia Uloom Islamia Banauri town has issued a fatwa against voting for Hindu candidate in the upcoming general elections, citing an inability to fulfill Islamic law requirements. The fatwa specifically addresses the candidacy of Hari Ram Kishori Lal in Mirpurkhas, Sindh, and advises Muslims not to vote for a Hindu candidate. Notably, Hari Ram Kishori Lal is a PPP candidate for the Provincial Assembly from PS-45 (Mirpurkhas-I). 

This raises profound concerns as it challenges the democratic rights of individuals in a country with a Muslim majority. Such religious edicts not only undermine the principles of democracy but also reveal the deep-seated bigotry within radical clerics in Pakistan. What is particularly striking is the selective application of these fatwas, as these so-called religious experts conveniently remain silent on the matter of accepting votes from non-Muslims.

It is ironic that while these clerics advocate for political participation by individuals from religious minorities, they deny reciprocity by discouraging Muslim voters from supporting minority candidates. This hypocritical stance exposes the underlying bias and raises questions about the true essence of inclusivity and democratic values within certain segments of Pakistan’s religious leadership.

This discriminatory mindset is not only a disservice to the principles of equality and freedom but also perpetuates a cycle of religious intolerance that hampers the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities.

Manzoor Pashteen has once again been implicated in a controversial 3MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) case leading him to further incarceration after recurring arrests.On January 19, DC of Chakwal detained Manzoor Pashteen for 14 days.

Notably, after facing two consecutive arrests in fake cases registered against him by Islamabad police, PTM Chief Manzoor Pashteen was granted bail on January 5. While he was being released, Jhelum Police abducted him from the gates of Adiala prison.

The arrest was illegal as no reason for detainment was conveyed to Pashteen or his organisation waiting for him outside the jail. He was implicated in a 3MPO case in Jhelum, under which he was arrested on remand of 14 days. Now when the 14-day remand of Pashteen ended on January 19, he has again been charged with fresh 3MPO case by DC Chakwal. Interestingly, 3MPO has been vehemently used by the Pakistan Army and the police in Pakistan to suppress the voice of dissent.

Pakistani establishment exploiting 3MPO

It must be noted that since day one of the arrest of PTM Chief Manzoor Pashteen, the Pakistani establishment has exploited the legal machinery to keep him away from the masses. In each case he is implicated in a way that he is kept arrested. Post utilisation of every provision, a fresh case is laid upon him to repeat the same procedure. This process is being carried out on the dictates of Pakistan Army, which is using its strong hold over the law enforcement machinery. After Islamabad Police, Manzoor Pashteen’s case is being picked up by the Punjab Police.

Nonetheless, Pashteen has again been arrested for 14 more days. And the way Pakistan’s mockery of legal provisions is happening, it doesn’t seem easy for Pashteen to ultimately get released in the short term. To the worse, despite persistent efforts and demands of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, no human rights organisation has taken cognizance of this absolute violation of human rights and persecution of Pashtuns.    

Eid-ul-Rehman Wazir and Zakeem Wazir, both the activists of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), have been released from Bannu Central Jail after being among those arrested in October of the previous year. Alongside them, Geelaman Wazir was also detained during the same period. However, despite their release, Geelaman and another PTM member, Noorullah Tareen, continue to remain in custody.

Noorullah Tareen, serving as the Provincial head of PTM in Sindh, was arrested by the police from Sindh shortly after the detention of Eid-ul-Rehman, Zakeem, and Geelaman. These arrests took place during a period when the PTM activists raised their voices against the alleged illegal crackdown on Afghan refugees in October.

As Eid-ul-Rehman and Zakeem Wazir regain their freedom, the fate of Geelaman and Noorullah Tareen remains uncertain, awaiting their release from detention. The arrests drew attention due to the activists’ vocal advocacy against the mistreatment of Afghan refugees, emphasizing ongoing concerns related to human rights and freedom of expression in Pakistan.