https://arab.news/zfqmw
- The Council of Islamic Ideology describes allegiance to the state as necessary condition to root out extremism
- Says freedom of express in the country must remain subservient to Islam and Pakistan’s constitutional framework
ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology, a constitutional body that provides legal advice to the government on matters related to religion, said on Tuesday it was imperative for religious scholars and citizens to support state institutions to address the twin problems of intolerance and extremist attitude in the country.
In a 20-point code of conduct, the council tried to provide guidelines to ensure sectarian harmony in Pakistan and uphold the rights of minority communities.
“Religious scholars and people belonging to different walks of life should support the state and its institutions, particularly those responsible for rule of law in the country along with the security forces, so that extremism can be weeded out,” said the document.
“All Islamic schools of thought have the right to preach their religious beliefs,” it continued. “However, no one will be allowed to level baseless allegations against any individual, institution or sect, or indulge in hate speech against them.”
The council also maintained that non-Muslims were free to live by their faith in Pakistan.
“The non-Muslim citizens of Pakistan have the right to practice their religion according to their own beliefs,” it added.
It noted that any “armed action against the state” would be considered “an act of rebellion,” pointing out that no individual could declare any person, administration or state institution as an infidel.
“No one is allowed to apostatize a Muslim,” the document read. “Only religious scholars will explain Shariah on the basis of theological belief. However, it is within the court’s domain to declare someone an infidel.”
It said that the Islamic character of the country’s supreme national document should always be protected, adding that freedom of expression could only operate within the Islamic framework and the constitution of Pakistan, and no media house should broadcast a show that could result in sectarian hatred or undermine the Islamic identity of Pakistan.