Lay down arms or declare yourselves 'non-Muslim': Malik
27 January, 2013
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Saturday stressed the need to follow the teaching of Holy Prophet (PBUH) to establish peace in the country and also called on terrorists to lay down arms, hold talks for peace and stop killing fellow Muslims. The House suspended the routine agenda and adopted unanimously a motion for discussion on the Seeratun Nabi (PBUH). The legislators noted that the only way social discrimination can be eliminated and interfaith harmony promoted is by following the principles of Islam, which are a complete code of life. Speaking in the House, Interior Minister Rehman Malik asked the terrorists to lay down arms and give up killing of Muslims or declare themselves non-Muslims, as Islam had no room for violence. "Is this Islam? If not, then why do you not declare yourselves as non-Muslims? We will have to end this hypocrisy," the minister said. Malik reiterated that the militants must give up violence and "become true Muslims". He said the people who had been killed in Karachi and Quetta were also Muslims, and asked the militants on whose behest they were carrying out bloodshed. He thanked the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the MQM for supporting the suspension of cellular service on Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) on the demand of provinces, following intelligence tip-offs. "No criminal act took place on the day. Not even a single target killing occurred in Karachi or a bomb blast in Quetta," Malik told the House while terming cell phones as mobile bombs. He said the cellular companies had issued up to 150,000 SIMs to individuals illegally, and he has directed them to verify the particulars of all their subscribers within the set deadline of February 28. Malik also suggested the House adopt a resolution demanding the closure of all unauthorised SIMs and also suggest a punishment for the violators. He said the government could no more tolerate the killing of innocent people and any such resolution by the House would support the law enforcement agencies. Malik said despite repeated requests, the House could not yet adopt bills on terrorists financing and anti-terrorism act that would disallow granting of bail to suspected terrorists and would bring them to task. "If these bills are not passed, the law enforcement agencies and the judiciary will continue to be blamed for not acting against the militants," Malik said. As the proceedings of the House resumed, Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khurshid Shah suggested the House speak on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He also suggested that in future, the House should exclusively discuss Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) a day after the Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) every year. On this Yasmeen Rehman, who was in the chair, said the suggestion, which was a good gesture, would require consultation with all the political leaders. Opening the discussion, Nighat Perveen Mir said the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) life was a complete roadmap for the mankind and one should apply all of his teachings in daily life. After her, MQM MNA Abdul Qadir Khanzada, PPP's Jamshed Dasti, Tahira Aurangzeb and many others highlighted the life of the Prophet (PBUH). Winding up the debate, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmad. End.
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