Time to take 'uncompromising stance' to disband hate speeches in Pak: Editorial

Lahore, June 22(ANI): After a string of rallies and sermons in Pakistan, including one by Jamaat-i-Islami chief, Syed Munawwar Hasan, an editorial in a leading newspaper has said that government should now be active and take a stance on the issue of hate speeches and incitement to violence.

According to the Dawn, "it has become a matter of urgency" especially after JI chief Hasan "threatened a fresh movement against the Ahmadi community if it did not accept their minority status" during a sermon in Lahore.

"Pakistan's polity is already rent by religious, ethnic and sectarian divisions. Allowing irresponsible and divisive opinions to be aired publicly will deepen these fissures," the editorial said.

"Once it begins, the process of religious, ethnic and other communities being pitted against one another will prove difficult to bring under control. Spiralling violence, particularly in view of other issues being faced by the country such as militancy and terrorism, can then be expected," it added.

It also said that for the interests of both the state and citizenry, the government should take a stand against inflammatory hate speechs and lobby for the prosecution of those who break the law.

"Given the incendiary passions the issue arouses, any call by religious parties in this context is certain to be attended by violence," the editorial said. (ANI)