Imran Khan faces blasphemy allegations, to be declared "kaafir" unless he publicly apologizes: Religious group issues serious warning

LAHORE - Pir Muhammad Afzal Qadri, a religious scholar who issued Fatwa of infidelity against Shaan Taseer, has written an open letter to Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Imran Khan over his alleged speech regarding prophet Muhammad (PBUH), warning him of 'dire consequences' if he doesn't render an apology.

The Fatwa alleges that Imran Khan, in one of his speeches, had said blasphemous sentences for the Prophet (PBUH).

Talking to Daily Pakistan, Pir Muhammad Afzal Qadri said that if the leader doesn't render an open apology, the organisation will formally issue a religious edict, declaring him a 'Wajib-ul-Qatal' (liable to death).

"If the state fails to execute Imran Khan, it wouldn't be a crime if any 'aashiq-e-Rasool' (lover of prophet P.B.U.H) kills him. He will be exempt from Qisas and Diyat (blood money)," Qadri told Daily Pakistan, adding the blood of blasphemer - in this case, Imran Khan's - has no worth compared to Prophet (PBUH).

Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi's strong reaction to Imran Khan's allegedly blasphemous speech:

https://youtu.be/9vvabF6ajuc

Just recently, Qadri had also issued a 'Kufr' fatwa against Shaan Taseer, son of the slain Governor Salman Taseer, for allegedly committing blasphemy in his 'Christmas special' video message.

It is pertinent to note that under the National Action Plan (NAP), religious extremism and persecution was outlawed. Hate speech and threats under the label of religious beliefs were supposed to be dealt with high sensitivity. However, the majority of the hate speech has gone scot-free and religious groups continue to issue 'Blasphemy' Fatwas against people with virtual impunity.