New Pakistan legislation to restrict call for jihad

Islamabad: Pakistan will soon implement a law under which only the state can declare jihad (holy war). The new national narrative has been prepared by interior ministry’s subordinate department, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta).

The proposed new law would be implemented after formal approval of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The proposed law bars individual and groups from issuing kafir (infidel) fatwas (religious decree) or tagging someone as apostate.

Religious scholars, locally known as maulvis or clerics, would be asked to promote interfaith harmony on basis of shared ideas whereas there would be complete ban on public gatherings under the umbrella of Nafaz-e-Shariat (implementation of Islamic laws). Officials said strict and immediate action would be taken on charges pertaining to blasphemy and provocative speeches.

A suggestion has also been made to only lodge case in aforementioned regard on the recommendation of a committee comprising members from law enforcement agencies, national and provincial assemblies, religious schools of thoughts and minority’s communities. Those madrassas (religious seminaries) involved in providing militancy training would be closed with immediate effect while other madrassas would also be included in process of devising provincial curriculum.

“It would be mandatory for madrassas to seek formal permission from provincial or federal governments before receiving foreign funding. Charity organizations would be bound to get register and update their records,” said an official.

In bid to promote national harmony, the column of religious entity from Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), passport or any other official document would be slashed. No one would be allowed to create armed groups or private militias while state would guarantee foolproof security of all minorities, the official said.