SC orders advertisements for recovering 'nalain-e-pak'

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed authorities to carry out a media advertisement campaign for the timely recovery of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) shoes reportedly stolen from Badshahi Mosque in 2002, reported ARY News.

A three member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar ordered authorities to step up efforts for the recovery of the sacred shoes commonly known as “nalain-e-pak.”

“We will not let go off this matter until the shoes are found. This is such a rare and priceless thing,” remarked Justice Nisar. “The petitioner has been walking barefoot since the theft took place.”

A Punjab Police representative informed the court that “nalain-e-pak” were stolen on their way back from Brunei on July 31 in 2002. “We also took fingerprints from the crime scene. Once we were informed that the shoes were spotted in Karachi.”

Subsequently, a video clip of nalain-e-pak was played in the courtroom.

Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan remarked that the shoes hold a significant importance and such sacred items are often kept in museums. In response, the police official said Turkey’s Topkapi Palace Museum and a museum in England were also checked.

The chief justice questioned if any advertisements had been run on television or newspapers pertaining to the theft. To this, the official replied saying, “We have kept a reward of Rs1.5 million for anyone who provides us with  information.”

CJP Nisar observed that it was the electronic and print media’s duty to run ads to help find the nalain-e-pak. “We know the police is working in the right direction. Such sacred relics should be taken care of by the Punjab government.”

The top court ordered the police to submit a report every three months and also asked the Punjab government to ensure safety of sacred objects. “Objects like these should be kept in glass boxes.”