LAHORE - Ousted prime minister Imran Khan and some members of his former cabinet are among 150 people booked by Punjab Police over the Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque incident in Madinah.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and his close aides and party leaders including Fawad Chaudhry, Shahbaz Gill, Qasim Suri, Sahibzada Jahangir, Aneel Musarrat, former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq are named in the First Information Report (FIR) registered by police on the complaint of a citizen identified Muhammad Naeem with the Faisalabad police. According to the FIR, the cases was registered under Sections 295 (harming or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult a religion), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 296 (disturbing religious assembly) and 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The police report reveals that more than 100 supporters of ousted PM Imran Khan were transported to Saudi Arabia from Pakistan and the UK to carry out the mission targeting Sharif and his delegation at Madinah. Pakistani officials stated with conviction that Khan and other PTI members ordered his supporters to carry out the act against Sharif and vouched for action against them in accordance with the law.
The police have registered a criminal case against the suspects for allegedly instigating a mob to hurl abusive slogans at a Pakistani delegation at the Masjid-i-Nabwi in Madina during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the kingdom.
The FIR further stated that some videos related to the incident would be produced during the investigations process. Video clips circulating on social media showed some pilgrims - apparently supporters of Khan – shouting abusive slogans as soon as Information Minister Marriyum and other members of PM’s delegation arrived at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina on Thursday.
The PTI supporters used abusive language against the delegation members. Madina police claim to have arrested five Pakistanis involved in the sloganeering.
Sh Rashid on Saturday confirmed the arrest of his nephew, saying that he had just landed in Pakistan after performing Umrah when he was arrested. “None of us were in Saudi Arabia, but cases were still registered [against us]. Residences are being raided after the registration of the cases,” Rashid said, condemning the arrest. Shafiq was shifted to a Federal Investigation Agency cell after the court granted his remand.
Hooliganism in Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque
| Interior Minister says law will take its course if something is proved against someone | Law Minister clarifies FIRs not registered under Blasphemy law | Videos to be produced as evidence during investigation | Sh Rashid’s nephew arrested at Islamabad airport
Over 100 Imran’s supporters transported to Saudi Arabia from Pakistan, UK: Rana
Any citizen who is accused of any offence abroad
can be prosecuted inside Pakistan: Tarar
On the night following the incident, Shafiq had posted a video from the holy site, supporting the hooliganism. PTI
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that former Prime Minister Khan will be arrested for allegedly ordering hooliganism and sloganeering against Prime Minister Sharif and his delegation within the premises of Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH).
“They will not be forgiven at all for what they did. Imran Khan will be arrested definitely,” Sanaullah was quoted as saying by The News.
In the Masjid-e-Nabawi incident, Saudi Arabia police also arrested five Pakistani nationals for “abusing and insulting” members of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation at the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madina. In a video, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and member of the National Assembly Shahzain Bugti were seen along with others.
This happened as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached the holy land on his maiden three-day official visit. Dozens of officials and political leaders accompanied the premier.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah strongly condemned the deplorable incident at Masjid-e-Nabvi (SAWW), declaring that the government will not create hurdle if any citizen wants to take any legal action against the accused culprits. “But if the people want to express their feelings in a legal way, the government should not stop it because when someone resorts to adopt an illegal course, it is not permissible for any government to create such an environment that people take the law into their own hands”, he said while addressing a press conference at PML-N’s central secretariat at Model Town here. He was accompanied by Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Addressing a news conference in Lahore on Sunday along with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the interior minister said that this tragic incident caused shock and sorrow all around. He said that FIRs were registered and all concerned quarters have been directed to take action on merit in accordance with law.
He said that PTI’ call for protest on Chaand Raat is beyond understanding. He said action will be taken against all persons who will take law into their own hands.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said any Pakistani citizen can be prosecuted inside Pakistan, who is accused of any offence abroad. He clarified that FIRs were not registered under Blasphemy law.
He said that the government cannot sit silent on the insult of holy worship places. He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed not to take action against any innocent person, not involved in this deplorable incident. To a question, regarding the oath taking of the new Punjab Chief Minister, the Law Minister praised the restraint shown by the judiciary on the oath-taking issue.
Talking about the unfortunate incident which took place in Madina, the Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said some people involved in the incident have been traced in Pakistan. “Some people were encouraged in Islamabad; a person reached Saudi Arabia along with group of people and they joined another group from Britain which reached there and then happened something unfortunate which saddened the entire Muslim Ummah and especially everyone in Pakistan”, he explained.
The minister said that the reprehensible aspect of this whole episode had been that they have been telling in advance in their press conferences and while talking in private meetings that this will happen there.
Sana Ullah said that the people who had come forward had reservations which are valid according to the law. “It is being said that the incident took place there and how the case could be registered here. This is possible under the country’s law”, he said. He said the prime minister had given clear instructions to deal with these petitions in accordance with the law. “If any action is taken on it, the law will take its course”.
Talking about the arrest of Sheikh Rashid’s nephew, the minister said that the evidence against a man who has been arrested is that he was making a confession on the spot saying that they did not allow them say Friday prayer and that they did not come out to recite Taraweeh and were hiding in the hotel. “We have stopped them from coming here”, the minister said quoting Rashid’s nephew.
Rana Sana Ullah said that even during his rule Imran Khan had tried to use the State of Madinah and Islam for personal purposes and for his personal agenda and he was doing the same even now.
He said that the government will act on merit in this matter and will follow the law. “If something is proved against someone then the law will take its course and if not, then the government will intervene and will not do it. We will make sure that no one takes the law into their own hands; the courts are free, they will look into everything”
Also, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the registration of cases was a provincial matter. “But yes, the courts may order the dismissal of these cases, grant bail or order the investigation. We will not deviate from our duty and the whole process will be in accordance with the law and the intention of the law”, the law minister maintained.
The law minister further elaborated that that if a Pakistani citizen commits any act outside Pakistan that violates Pakistani law, it is punishable under Sections 3 and 4 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Sections 180 to 188 of the Criminal Code. According to him, it was a crime and could be prosecuted anywhere in Pakistan. He also clarified that no blasphemy sections have been included in the cases registered in Pakistan regarding the Madina incident.
He said the above said sections could also be applied to gurdwaras, mosques, churches and temples. “These cases have not been registered for the first time but have been registered before”
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and his close aides and party leaders including Fawad Chaudhry, Shahbaz Gill, Qasim Suri, Sahibzada Jahangir, Aneel Musarrat, former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq are named in the First Information Report (FIR) registered by police on the complaint of a citizen identified Muhammad Naeem with the Faisalabad police. According to the FIR, the cases was registered under Sections 295 (harming or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult a religion), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 296 (disturbing religious assembly) and 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The police report reveals that more than 100 supporters of ousted PM Imran Khan were transported to Saudi Arabia from Pakistan and the UK to carry out the mission targeting Sharif and his delegation at Madinah. Pakistani officials stated with conviction that Khan and other PTI members ordered his supporters to carry out the act against Sharif and vouched for action against them in accordance with the law.
The police have registered a criminal case against the suspects for allegedly instigating a mob to hurl abusive slogans at a Pakistani delegation at the Masjid-i-Nabwi in Madina during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the kingdom.
The FIR further stated that some videos related to the incident would be produced during the investigations process. Video clips circulating on social media showed some pilgrims - apparently supporters of Khan – shouting abusive slogans as soon as Information Minister Marriyum and other members of PM’s delegation arrived at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina on Thursday.
The PTI supporters used abusive language against the delegation members. Madina police claim to have arrested five Pakistanis involved in the sloganeering.
Sh Rashid on Saturday confirmed the arrest of his nephew, saying that he had just landed in Pakistan after performing Umrah when he was arrested. “None of us were in Saudi Arabia, but cases were still registered [against us]. Residences are being raided after the registration of the cases,” Rashid said, condemning the arrest. Shafiq was shifted to a Federal Investigation Agency cell after the court granted his remand.
Hooliganism in Prophet’s (PBUH) Mosque
| Interior Minister says law will take its course if something is proved against someone | Law Minister clarifies FIRs not registered under Blasphemy law | Videos to be produced as evidence during investigation | Sh Rashid’s nephew arrested at Islamabad airport
Over 100 Imran’s supporters transported to Saudi Arabia from Pakistan, UK: Rana
Any citizen who is accused of any offence abroad
can be prosecuted inside Pakistan: Tarar
On the night following the incident, Shafiq had posted a video from the holy site, supporting the hooliganism. PTI
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that former Prime Minister Khan will be arrested for allegedly ordering hooliganism and sloganeering against Prime Minister Sharif and his delegation within the premises of Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH).
“They will not be forgiven at all for what they did. Imran Khan will be arrested definitely,” Sanaullah was quoted as saying by The News.
In the Masjid-e-Nabawi incident, Saudi Arabia police also arrested five Pakistani nationals for “abusing and insulting” members of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation at the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madina. In a video, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and member of the National Assembly Shahzain Bugti were seen along with others.
This happened as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached the holy land on his maiden three-day official visit. Dozens of officials and political leaders accompanied the premier.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah strongly condemned the deplorable incident at Masjid-e-Nabvi (SAWW), declaring that the government will not create hurdle if any citizen wants to take any legal action against the accused culprits. “But if the people want to express their feelings in a legal way, the government should not stop it because when someone resorts to adopt an illegal course, it is not permissible for any government to create such an environment that people take the law into their own hands”, he said while addressing a press conference at PML-N’s central secretariat at Model Town here. He was accompanied by Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Addressing a news conference in Lahore on Sunday along with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the interior minister said that this tragic incident caused shock and sorrow all around. He said that FIRs were registered and all concerned quarters have been directed to take action on merit in accordance with law.
He said that PTI’ call for protest on Chaand Raat is beyond understanding. He said action will be taken against all persons who will take law into their own hands.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said any Pakistani citizen can be prosecuted inside Pakistan, who is accused of any offence abroad. He clarified that FIRs were not registered under Blasphemy law.
He said that the government cannot sit silent on the insult of holy worship places. He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed not to take action against any innocent person, not involved in this deplorable incident. To a question, regarding the oath taking of the new Punjab Chief Minister, the Law Minister praised the restraint shown by the judiciary on the oath-taking issue.
Talking about the unfortunate incident which took place in Madina, the Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said some people involved in the incident have been traced in Pakistan. “Some people were encouraged in Islamabad; a person reached Saudi Arabia along with group of people and they joined another group from Britain which reached there and then happened something unfortunate which saddened the entire Muslim Ummah and especially everyone in Pakistan”, he explained.
The minister said that the reprehensible aspect of this whole episode had been that they have been telling in advance in their press conferences and while talking in private meetings that this will happen there.
Sana Ullah said that the people who had come forward had reservations which are valid according to the law. “It is being said that the incident took place there and how the case could be registered here. This is possible under the country’s law”, he said. He said the prime minister had given clear instructions to deal with these petitions in accordance with the law. “If any action is taken on it, the law will take its course”.
Talking about the arrest of Sheikh Rashid’s nephew, the minister said that the evidence against a man who has been arrested is that he was making a confession on the spot saying that they did not allow them say Friday prayer and that they did not come out to recite Taraweeh and were hiding in the hotel. “We have stopped them from coming here”, the minister said quoting Rashid’s nephew.
Rana Sana Ullah said that even during his rule Imran Khan had tried to use the State of Madinah and Islam for personal purposes and for his personal agenda and he was doing the same even now.
He said that the government will act on merit in this matter and will follow the law. “If something is proved against someone then the law will take its course and if not, then the government will intervene and will not do it. We will make sure that no one takes the law into their own hands; the courts are free, they will look into everything”
Also, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the registration of cases was a provincial matter. “But yes, the courts may order the dismissal of these cases, grant bail or order the investigation. We will not deviate from our duty and the whole process will be in accordance with the law and the intention of the law”, the law minister maintained.
The law minister further elaborated that that if a Pakistani citizen commits any act outside Pakistan that violates Pakistani law, it is punishable under Sections 3 and 4 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Sections 180 to 188 of the Criminal Code. According to him, it was a crime and could be prosecuted anywhere in Pakistan. He also clarified that no blasphemy sections have been included in the cases registered in Pakistan regarding the Madina incident.
He said the above said sections could also be applied to gurdwaras, mosques, churches and temples. “These cases have not been registered for the first time but have been registered before”
