CII demands enhanced punishment for misuse of fatwas

ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has asked the government to enhance punishments for those issuing decrees (fatwas) of death for heresy.

The CII, in a meeting on Tuesday, agreed that declaring anyone permissible to kill or declaring anyone infidel was not the handy work of any individual or a group of persons, and recommended imposing stricter punishments for those who misuse their powers to issue fatwas.

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Dr Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, speaking to media following the meeting, also called for implementation of interest-free banking and said it was the foremost step towards establishing a welfare state on the patterns of Madina.

He said that the government wanted to make CII effective and seek its guidance for making the country’s banking system interest-free.

Qadri noted that efforts were underway to maintain a close liaison among Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Interior, Education Ministry and Ministry of Law and Justice to get guidance from scholars to cope with challenges being confronted by the country.

He added that the prime minister would soon meet the members of CII to discuss the recommendations and other issues.