Daily Times

Malik Ishaq, Vice President of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) and leader of banned organization Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) has been arrested from his home in Rahimyar Khan on the charges of having his hands tainted with the blood of Shias in Pakistan. Two months into the New Year and LeJ has already accepted the claim of brutally killing nearly two hundred Shias. On his arrest, which came after long negotiations with the DPO Multan, Malik Ishaq protested against the claim that he or his organization has any link with the killings. He did not mince his words saying he would continue with his mission. What mission, he did not reveal. If he is talking about killing more Shias, as he is on record as saying to Reuters on his release after 14 years from jail in 2011 that Shias are the greatest infidels on earth, he is better kept under detention than let loose for wreaking more havoc. However, only a serious and proper investigation into his organization’s operations and functions will disclose the real meaning of his statements. The killing of Hazara Shias for which the detention of Malik Ishaq has come about, has drawn serious criticism from across the world on Pakistan’s treatment of its minorities. We have a bad record on treating Christians as well as Hindus, and now persecuting the Shias, who belong as much to Islam as other sects within the faith, reeks of a society intolerant and obsessed with its narrow religious beliefs.

Talking to the media before his arrest, Malik Ishaq blamed Shias for perpetrating crimes against the Sunnis. He alleged that Shias are entrenching their stronghold in the Rukenpur town of Rahimyar Khan by storing weapons there. He said so far 600 ulema, party workers and madrassah students of ASWJ have been killed. He condemned Interior Minister Rehman Malik on arresting ASWJ’s leaders and workers. He criticised the minister for on the one hand linking foreign elements to the killing of Shias and on the other accusing ASWJ for it. He has asked the Supreme Court to take notice of the killing of Sunni people in Karachi, and has given his word that he will accept every decision of the court. He denied having any link with the Quetta bomb blast. Offering peace, he said he is ready to go to any lengths to harmonize the situation between different sects.

What should one believe about Malik Ishaq? Only a thorough investigation and strong prosecution can suggest the way forward. Earlier he was set free for lack of evidence, believed to be the result of intimidation of witnesses and prosecutors. One hopes that this time round the government would not let Malik Ishaq be freed without making him accountable for his repugnant deeds. *