Religious Leaders Say Sahibzada Hamid Raza Not a Terrorist, Demand Immediate Release

LAHORE: Leading religious scholars, custodians of shrines and religious figures have said in a joint statement that Sahibzada Hamid Raza is not a terrorist but a prominent figure who has struggled against terrorism and extremism.

The statement said that linking religious and political leaders who have consistently raised their voices against sectarianism, extremism and terrorism with terrorism is extremely worrying.

The signatories said that the party whose chief has declared taking up arms against the state to be haram, and has strongly condemned suicide attacks as contrary to Islamic teachings, should not be associated with terrorism, nor should its leadership. They described this as a matter of concern.

According to them, Sahibzada Hamid Raza and his colleagues have played a prominent role in reducing sectarianism and promoting religious harmony in the country.

The scholars said Sahibzada Hamid Raza is a well-known representative of Ahle Sunnat, and that his religious, social and national services cannot be ignored. They said he has played a role on various occasions in promoting peace, religious tolerance, national unity and sectarian harmony.

The statement also said that he belongs to a well-known spiritual and scholarly family and is an heir to the scholarly and spiritual traditions of the subcontinent.

The statement stressed that, despite differences, all political and religious matters should be resolved in accordance with the constitution, law and the principles of justice, and that every person should have access to fair process and justice under legal requirements. It said the legal process must be allowed to be completed before a final opinion is formed about anyone.

The signatories expressed hope that the rule of law, the provision of justice and the protection of the legal rights of all citizens would be ensured. They said that Pakistan’s challenges can only be met through national unity, religious harmony, tolerance and respect for the law.

The statement demanded that the petition for Sahibzada Hamid Raza’s immediate release from what it called an unjust case be accepted, and that his case be fixed for hearing.

Those who issued the statement include Pir Khalid Sultan Qadri, central chief organiser of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat Pakistan; former federal minister Pir Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi; Pir Mian Jalil Ahmad Sharqpuri of Astana Aliya Sharqpur Sharif; Sahibzada Hasan Raza, acting chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council; Makhdoom Abbas Shah of Bhangali Sharif; Pir Sahibzada Qasim Sialvi of Astana Aliya Sial Sharif; Sarwat Ijaz Qadri, head of Sunni Tehreek; Sahibzada Hafiz Hamid Raza Sialkoti; and other figures.

They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, religious tolerance and national unity in the country, and said all differences should be resolved within the framework of the constitution and the law.