Daily Times

LAHORE: Awarding punishment in the presence of the public to the criminal element is in accordance with Islamic Sharia. Pakistan Ulema Council termed opposition to punishment in public presence as anti-Sharia stating that during the age of Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) and during the years of Caliphate, scores of criminals were punished publicly like stoned to death or whipped for adultery in public, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday at Jamia Masjid Mahaz bin Jabal, Islamabad, he urged the judiciary to ensure speedy justice for cases of high-handedness with women and girls through a maximum of a two-week court trial. He asserted that during the life of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W and during the years of the Caliphate, all the criminal elements were punished publicly; therefore all those sections of society, which are opposing punishment for criminals in public presence are voicing anti-Sharia.

He also demanded of the government to keep a check on all the sources responsible for fanning immoral activities in society. He also warned the government to declassify Raja Zafarul Haq’s report till 20th February, 2018; otherwise countrywide movement will be staged under the aegis of the Pakistan Ulema Council. He urged the government to keep a check on publication of Qadyani literature, make public the report of Raja Zafarul Haq and become guardian of Finality of Prophethood Law. Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi also underlined that US administration aims at allowing entrance of Ahmedis in Harmain Al Sharifain by highlighting religious freedom issues. People of Pakistan have rejected tirade of the US President against Pakistan as well as declaration of US administration for putting Pakistan on watchlist of religious freedom.

Responding to a query, he stated that Islamic teachings are for the entire Muslim Ummah adding that Afghan President should take guidance from state Clerics of Afghanistan in accordance of the teachings of Quran-o-Sunnah. Replying to another question, he lauded national Narrative against terrorism and extremism as positive stance in right direction. It is worth mentioning here that national Narrative against terrorism and extremism has published titled Paigham e Pakistan.

He also suggested to ensure implementation on Paigham e Pakistan through proper legislation with additional reforms.

On this occasion Office bearers of Pakistan Ulema Council from Islamabad and Rawalpindi including Maulana Abdul Hameed Sabri, Maulana Nauman Hashir, Maulana Tahir Aqeel Awan, Maulana Shahzad, Maulana Naib Khan and Maulana Hafiz ur Rehman were also present.

Published in Daily Times, January 31^st 2018.