Maulana Samiul Haq’s assassination condemned

Condemnations started pouring in following the assassination of Maulana Samiul Haq, who was brutally stabbed to death at his residence in Rawalpindi on Friday. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently in China for an official visit, said the country had been deprived of an important religious leader whose services would always be remembered. 

The prime minister has sought a report and directed that an investigation be carried out immediately to find those responsible. 

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa condemned Haq's assassination and expressed grief over it, DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter. The army chief also extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also denounced the assassination and sought a report from the Inspector General Punjab Police.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the martyrdom of the JUI-S chief and expressed immense grief over it.

"It was really sad to hear the news of the martyrdom of Maulana Samiul Haq," Nawaz said, praying the Almighty to have mercy on Pakistan.

The former premier also prayed for heightening of the stages of the departed soul in the hereafter and grant patience to the bereaved family.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the murder and said this was an attempt to cause further disturbance in Pakistan.

Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar also offered his condolences to the aggrieved family. 

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari said the brutal murder of Maulana Samiul Haq was “utterly condemnable.”

Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman said that he graduated from Darul Uloom Haqqania and had a strong relationship with Maulana Samiul Haq.

"I have had a strong relationship with Maulana Samiul Haq, based on mutual respect," Fazl said, voicing solidarity with the family of the slain cleric and his party.

Former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal said the terrible news of the assassination was very tragic.

The prime minister's aide on political affairs, Naeemul Haq, said the religious scholar's martyrdom was a huge tragedy.

He said the government funded Haq's seminary for institutionalising modern curriculum, while the slain cleric had also backed the government for the anti-polio drive.