Only state has right to declare jihad, says Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged on Friday religious scholars to denounce the trend of issuing fatwas for jihad against any individual or group.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, the minister said no one has right to issue decrees for jihad against other. Only state has right to declare jihad, he added.

He said the trend of issuing decrees and declaring jihad against any group or individual would turn the country into a battlefield and added the government would take punitive measures against hate-mongers posting fatwas on social networking sites under cyber crime laws.

The minister said no one has right to point fingers at other’s faith, including that of legislators who solemnly swear and sign Khatam-e-Nabuwat oath. He lamented that there was lack of cohesion in Muslims, which is why certain elements wanted to pit Muslims against each other.

The Interior Minister said foreign funded elements are targeting soft targets in the country to create an environment of fear and panic amongst people.

He said a compensation package will be announced for the heirs of those killed in yesterday’s terror attack at a shrine in Jhal Magsi in Balochistan.

He said Pakistan is committed to fighting against terrorism and Jhal Magsi like cowardly incidents cannot shake our resolve.