Editorial Note: Title:
In this edition, we feature an urgent plea from Syed Fida Abbas regarding FIR No. 843/22, underlining the pressing need for justice in light of ongoing genocidal persecution by ASWJ/SSP against Shi’a Muslims in Pakistan. Shockingly, this campaign has claimed the lives of 25,000 Shi’a Muslims, including professionals such as doctors, engineers, businessmen, scholars, and educationists. The editorial note amplifies Abbas’s call for intervention by higher authorities to address this grave issue.
Image of the application of Fida Abbas
Urgent Appeal for Justice in FIR No. 843/22 under Sections 295-A, 506-A of the Pakistan Penal Code
To Chief Justice of Supreme Court Pakistan, President of Pakistan and PM Pakistan,
Your Excellencies,
I, Syed Fida Abbas, son of Zafar Abbas, pen this letter in the earnest hope that you will be the beacon of justice where the state institutions and law enforcement agencies of Islamabad have fallen short. The case in question, No. 843/22, demands your attention and intervention.
On October 6, 2022, a public meeting organized by Ahlus Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) / Sipah Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) at the Hockey Ground in Islamabad witnessed leaders from this organization, listed in the Fourth Schedule, making sectarian speeches against Shi’a Muslims. Despite my efforts to bring this to the attention of the authorities, a case (FIR No. 843/22) was only registered on October 11, 2023, against Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi, Aurangzeb Farooqi, and Abdurrahman Moavia.
Subsequently, the banned outfit ASWJ/SSP disrupted public order by blocking Abpara Chowk on October 11, 2023. Shockingly, through alleged official social media accounts, it was claimed that the registered case against the leaders had been quashed. Upon verification, the Investigation Officer confirmed that the case had been forwarded to the Counter Terrorism Police Department (CTD), Islamabad.
Despite my efforts to prevent a recurrence, on December 25, 2022, the ASWJ announced another unlawful assembly in Islamabad. I approached the authorities, including the SSP Operation Islamabad Police and SSP Rural, urging them to arrest the nominated individuals from FIR No. 843/22. Regrettably, the banned outfit proceeded with the rally, making provocative sectarian speeches, while the Islamabad Police failed to take preventive action.
Further aggravating the situation, on September 17, 2023, ASWJ was allowed to organize a rally, and the wanted individual, Ahmed Ludhianvi, addressed the gathering, inciting violence against Shi’a Muslims. Shockingly, the relevant provisions (298-A, 295-A, and 506) were expunged from the case due to religious sensitivity.
This situation not only raises concerns for me but for every Shi’a Muslim in the country. To dismiss a case against individuals involved in the genocide of Shi’a Muslims is a travesty of justice.
I implore the esteemed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan to order the Islamabad Police to reinvestigate Case No. 843/22 and instruct the district administration not to permit the banned outfit to organize the rally scheduled for October 12, 2023.
With sincere regards,
Syed Fida Abbas
