ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that action against the now-outlawed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was taken under the country’s anti-terrorism law as the ultra right-wing party challenged the writ of the state.
In a series of Tweet, the Prime Minister explained that the Tehreek-e-Labbaik was proscribed as its workers had violently attacked the people and law enforcers. “No one can be above law and Constitution,” he added.
Let me make clear to people here & abroad: Our govt only took action against TLP under our anti-terrorist law when they challenged the writ of the state and used street violence & attacking the public & law enforcers. No one can be above the law and the Constitution.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 17, 2021
The prime minister, in another tweet, criticised elements globally who he said indulge in Islamophobia and racist slurs “under the guise of freedom of speech” to hurt and cause pain to the 1.3 billion Muslims across the globe.
My message to extremists abroad who indulge in Islamophobia & racist slurs to hurt & cause pain to 1.3 bn Muslims across the globe: We Muslims have the greatest love & respect for our Prophet PBUH who lives in our hearts. We cannot tolerate any such disrespect & abuse.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 17, 2021
“We Muslims have the greatest love & respect for our Prophet PBUH who lives in our hearts. We cannot tolerate any such disrespect & abuse,” he added. The Prime Minister also demanded an apology from those who hurt Muslims’ sentiments.
The premier also called on western governments, who “have outlawed any negative comment on the holocaust”, to use the same standards to penalise those who were deliberately spreading their message of hate against Muslims by abusing the religion.
I also call on Western govts who have outlawed any negative comment on the holocaust to use the same standards to penalise those deliberately spreading their message of hate against Muslims by abusing our Prophet PBUH.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 17, 2021
On Thursday, the federal government declared the TLP a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws. The action came after days of violent protests and traffic disruptions in the largest cities of Pakistan, which saw public and private property damaged.
