ISLAMABAD: Special Honorary representative on religious affairs and interfaith harmony to Prime Minister Maulana Tahir Ashrafi on Friday strongly condemned the mob lynching of a Sri Lankan national on a blasphemy allegation in Sialkot and expressed his dismay by saying that as a Muslim he feels ashamed.
Speaking in a press conference, along with Punjab government Spokesperson Hassan Khawar, he called the killing, ‘inhumane and un-Islamic’. “Those who committed this crime did no service to Islam and Pakistan. As directed by Prime Minister Imran Khan strict legal action will be taken against them,” he said. “All clergymen associated with different schools of thought condemn this action. A delegation of the ulemas will visit Sri Lankan embassy to offer condolences.”
Read more: Sri Lankan factory manager lynched by mob in Sialkot
Maulana Ashrafi said that in light of the words of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Sri Lankan national was in the country on an accord that guaranteed his life and well-being in a Muslim state.
CM demands report within 48 hours
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has called for strict action against the suspects behind the horrendous crime and demanded an inquiry report from the Chief Secretary and Punjab Inspector General within 48 hours.
“50 suspects have been taken under custody on Anti-Terrorism Act,” Punjab government spokesperson Hassan Khawar said.
Sialkot Incident
A Sri Lankan national, who was working as a manager at a private factory in Sialkot, was beaten to death and his body was later set on fire by a mob over alleged blasphemy. As per the initial reports, the incident took place on Friday on the Wazirabad Road of Sialkot where most factories are located.
District Police Officer (DPO) Sialkot Omer Saeed Malik confirmed to Bol News that Priyantha Kumara was a Sri Lankan national and living in Sialkot. He added that Kumara was severely beaten to death by the employees of the private factories and later his body was burnt by the mob.
“The investigation into the murder of the export manager who was a Sri Lankan national is underway and I cannot share the motive behind this murder with you as of yet because the investigation is in progress,” he said.
A police official, who spoke to Bol News on the condition of anonymity, said that apart from lynching the manager the workers had also vandalised the factory in which the Sri Lankan was working and also blocked the roads.
“After receiving the report of the incident DPO took a timely measure and a heavy contingent reached the spot and tried to control the law and order situation. After successful negotiations with the angry mob and protestors the traffic was restored,” said the official.
Videos of the incident which have gone viral showed that hundreds of men gathered in the area, with many chanting slogans.
