Author: UNI
Publication: The Hindustan
Times, Web
Date: November 25, 2000
Defying rule of law,
a prominent religious group of Pakistan, Sipah-e-Sahaba (SSP), has announced
that it will impose Islamic system in 20 cities across the country by 2001
and has directed people to withdraw cases from courts and file them before
'qazi courts' or face death. In Dogdara village of Dir district,
people who do not withdraw their cases from courts and file them before
qazi courts, will face death penalty. People would be asked to go
to mosques for justice.
Allama Tahirul Qadri,
chairman of the group, said people would be asked to not seek justice from
existing courts as they were following the judicial system they inherited
from the British, replete with shortcomings and lacunae.
"They will be asked to
go to mosques in accordance with the Islamic system."
He said the present judicial
system in Pakistan, which claims to be an Islamic State, runs contrary
to the Islamic spirit.
Mr Qadri however, has
not made his stand clear about cognisable and non-bailable offences which
the police would insist on registering and pursuing in existing courts.
Leading Pakistani daily
'The Nation' said in a report that "Allama's edict is an expression of
rebellion against the state that may cause umpteen problems for the military
junta."
Allama's followers are
reported to be visiting various cities and provinces seeking greater participation
of people for introducing the Islamic system and getting a good response
in some areas. The decree has caused problems for the authorities
which are also unable to cope with various fundamental groups that are
vigorously campaigning for 'jehad'.
In another growing trend
which has been noticed, mosques are being used to propagate jehad against
non-Muslims, particularly India. Sectarian speeches and militant
calls for 'jehad' have become increasingly common while prayers rarely
make it to Friday sermons.
The monthly 'Newsline'
quoted the head of a mosque as prescribing in his Friday sermons 'jehad'
as "the only solution to the dilemmas the followers of Islam have to contend
with".
