Pakistan: Mumtaz Qadri sentenced to death

Many religio-political parties have been arguing for implementation of sharia law but what exactly constitutes true sharia? It is merely upholding justice and ridding it of all external pressures and influences.

Photo: Google images / Reuters

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Mansura Bashir Minhas | October 4, 2010

Sir: Justice has finally been served in Salmaan Taseer’s case with his killer, Mumtaz Qadri, being awarded the death penalty. Let us hope this verdict brings some solace to Salmaan Taseer’s beleaguered family that continues to suffer from deep anguish and anxiety as it awaits the safe return of Shahbaz Taseer who has not been recovered five weeks after his kidnapping. The Pakistan government must also take appropriate security measures to protect Judge Pervez Ali Shah as Qadri’s supporters are not hiding their anger and are likely to try to avenge this sentence.

This judgment comes at Pakistan’s lowest point since its independence. Initially, there was no apparent hope as Qadri had been given a hero’s welcome by lawyers who garlanded him when he first appeared in court. Justice Pervez defied the odds and pronounced a fair and just verdict. Apparently, it is no outstanding verdict or one that merits rejoicing but it is exceptional as it signifies a glimmer of hope for Pakistan.
When all appears doomed and gloomy, this sentence based on fairness and legality merits laurels, as the ‘law of the jungle’ has lately been seen as the norm in Pakistan.

Let this ruling be a step forward for Pakistan in rescuing the judiciary from the clutches of the establishment and restoring its rightful role. This will be no easy undertaking as recent history is replete with instances where the judiciary has repeatedly succumbed to the whims of the executive and the legislature.

Many religio-political parties have been arguing for implementation of sharia law but what exactly constitutes true sharia? It is merely upholding justice and ridding it of all external pressures and influences. It requires guaranteeing fairness and equal justice for all citizens irrespective of faith, nationality and class. The Holy Quran says: “When you judge between men, you judge with justice” (chapter 4, verse 59). Let this be the guiding principle for the judiciary, one that will surely herald the turn of the tide in Pakistan.

MANSURA BASHIR MINHAS
Miami, USA


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