- Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemns the lynching of a man in Swat.
- The minister emphasizes that mob justice is pushing Pakistan towards destruction.
- Parliament urged to take action against rising vigilantism and misuse of religion.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday strongly condemned the lynching of a man in Swat, expressing deep concern over how religion is being weaponized to justify “street justice” and vigilantism. During the budget debate in the National Assembly, interrupted by Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Ahsan stressed that parliament must take a firm stance against “mob justice,” which he warned is bringing Pakistan to the brink of destruction.
On Thursday night, a man was killed by a mob in the Madyan area of Swat district over alleged desecration of the Holy Quran. The incident resulted in eight injuries amidst the chaos. According to police officials, the suspect was initially moved to a police station, but a furious mob attacked the station, seizing and subsequently setting the suspect on fire. Disturbing videos on social media depicted a mob surrounding a burning body in the street and large crowds outside the police station.
Ahsan, despite interjections from the deputy speaker, insisted that parliament address the issue of “mob justice,” noting that it has pushed Pakistan to a critical point. He highlighted that this was not an isolated incident, citing similar cases in Sialkot, Jaranwala, and Sargodha, where individuals accused of desecration were lynched by mobs.
Reflecting on his own experience, Ahsan recalled the 2018 assassination attempt by a supporter of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, where he was shot but survived. “I am thankful for a new lease on life,” he said, emphasizing the urgent need to address the misuse of religion for justifying violence. He lamented that the nation is at a point where mob violence is becoming commonplace, violating the Constitution, laws, and state authority.
Ahsan pointed out that Islam teaches respect for even the bodies of heretics, condemning the act of burning bodies as not only inhumane but also against religious teachings. “What message are we sending to the world?” he questioned, amidst attempts by the deputy speaker to cut him off. He urged the parliament to recognize the gravity of the situation, warning that failure to act could lead to anarchy.
Concluding his address, Ahsan called for the formation of a committee to investigate these incidents, stating that religious leaders need to understand and address the weaponization of religion. He emphasized the necessity of a committee to handle such incidents to help Pakistan move towards becoming a civilized nation.
Deputy Speaker Shah, before adjourning the session, advised Ahsan to collaborate with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and work towards forming the committee, suggesting that he coordinate with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to address these issues. “Please bring this up at the cabinet level,” he added, underscoring the need for a coordinated effort within the government.
