Islamabad: A troubling trend of content targeting religious minorities is circulating in Pakistan, intensifying worries ahead of the upcoming February 8 general elections, according to a report by The News International.
The resurgence of a fatwa—a legal ruling issued by Islamic scholars—from a Karachi-based seminary on platforms like Facebook and X is adding fuel to concerns. This fatwa, originating from Jamia Uloom Islamia, New Town, commonly known as Jamia Binori Town, a prominent seminary near the Guru Mandir area, is causing ripples due to its influence.
Minority rights activist Chaman Lal took to Facebook, sharing an image of the undated decree with the caption, “A Fatwa is issued that it is permissible to take votes from the population of more than one million minorities, but today a fatwa has been issued that it is not permissible to vote for minority candidates in the general election.”
Prompted by a query regarding the permissibility, under Islamic laws, of voting for a non-Muslim candidate, especially when a major political party has nominated a Hindu candidate for a general seat despite the presence of a more qualified Muslim candidate and reserved seats for non-Muslims, the fatwa responded, “The vote should be given to a candidate who has the required qualifications and ability, his party manifesto must also be correct, and about whom there’s satisfaction that he can take better steps for the people of their constituency, religiously and secularly. And because the non-Muslim candidate does not live up to these standards, it is better to vote for a Muslim candidate.”
Expressing his dismay, Chaman Lal questioned the inconsistency between constitutional equal rights and the issuance of such fatwas. He emphasized the need to support good candidates, even from minority communities, for their dedication to the betterment of their areas and willingness to contribute to Pakistan’s progress.
“The world is running after technology while Pakistan is still stuck in religious issues—which is no doubt important, but it is a personal matter. When it comes to the state, good candidates should come forward even if they belong to a minority community,” as quoted by The News International.
