Religious leaders criticise PM for calling Pakistan ‘liberal’
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NOWSHERA: Leaders of some religious parties have criticised the prime minister for calling Pakistan a “liberal country” in a recent speech.
Speaking at a programme held at the Darul Uloom-i-Haqqania, Akora Khattak, on Thursday to pay homage to late Dr Sher Ali Shah, they called upon the Supreme Court to take suo motu action on the prime minister’s statement.
The chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Maulana Samiul Haq, said that millions of people had sacrificed their lives for the creation of an ‘Islamic country’, adding that the slogan of a “liberal Pakistan” was a violation of the ideology of Pakistan.
Also read: Siraj warns against drifting away from Iqbal’s philosophy
He said the constitution had no term, “liberal Pakistan” and instead had envisaged the country as “Islamic democratic Pakistan”.
The JUI-S chief said ulema were united against un-Islamic forces. He called upon all religious leaders to put pressure on the government for the implementation of Islamic system in the country.
He said tribal areas were important for the country and decisions for their future should be taken by tribal people, and not just a few members of the National Assembly.
The programme was attended, among others, by Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Senator Sirajul Haq, patron-in-chief of Ansarul Ummah Maulana Fazlur Reham Khalil, Abdullah Gul (son of late Hamid Gul), deputy ambassador of Turkey Yaseen, Pakistan Shariat Council chief Fidaur Rehman, Hafiz Hussain Ahmad, Qari Mohammad Usman of Karachi, JI’s provincial chief Mushtaq Ahamd Khan and Yaqoub Sheikh of Jammatud Dawa.
Maulana Fazlur Rehamn Khalil said that America and other western states were scared of religious seminaries. He urged religious parties to forge unity against anti-Islam forces in order to foil conspiracies against religious seminaries.
Hafiz Mohammad Saeed said America was trying to hide its defeat in Afghanistan by calling for action against the Haqqani network.
The programme was also attended by a 40-member grand jirga of South and North Waziristan.
The jirga was led by Malik Khan Marjan, Malik Shah Nawaz, Malik Shezad Khan and Maulana Abdul Hai Haqqani.
They also held a meeting with Maulana Samiul Haq and discussed fresh developments in tribal areas. They appealed to the JUI-S chief to take up their problems with the government and military establishment.
Maulana Sami assured them of his full cooperation in this regard.
Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2015
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Comments (97) Closed
Nov 13, 2015 07:53am
I am sure maulana even doesn't know the meanings of liberal. No other religion is more liberal than Islam
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Nov 13, 2015 07:54am
Those so called "religious leaders " need to learn that Islam is a liberal religion.
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Nov 13, 2015 07:57am
High time Pakistan addresses these issues at home first than preaching others !
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Nov 13, 2015 07:57am
Finally, someone spoke the truth and exposed the real face...
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Nov 13, 2015 07:58am
Totally agree on this one, Ours is a proud Islamic state and their is no space for so called liberals and their tall ideals which brings downfall of our nations if left unchecked.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:04am
This country is far from liberal. We can only hope it to be...
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Nov 13, 2015 08:05am
Are liberal or not liberal? If majority decides not to be liberal, democratic government has to follow naturally!!!
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Nov 13, 2015 08:11am
Pakistan was founded as a Islamic nation and we are proud of it , we are not a liberal state and let is be made clear .
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Nov 13, 2015 08:25am
Serious lapse of judgment by the PM, I think he is losing it.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:28am
No comments from pakistanis on intolerance.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:29am
Maybe they need to learn english first. Good for nothing Maulvis
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Nov 13, 2015 08:30am
IK could not bring out PML govt, but this statement is against ethos of Pakistan nation , it is against the values our great Islamic nation was based on , end of PML (N) is near.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:31am
Where are the last lberal thinkers in pakistan now...? Can they dare question these religious fanatics ???
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Nov 13, 2015 08:33am
Religious leaders need to stop doing politics in the name of religion.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:36am
What a liberal & tolerant society?
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Nov 13, 2015 08:37am
So the intolerance in India....
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Nov 13, 2015 08:38am
If these 'religious leaders' were religious in the true sense of the word,they would be getting together with the religious leaders of all the religions - Protestant, Roman Catholic, Hindu, Ismaili, and others to work towards peace and harmony for the prosperity of the country. Loving and serving God means loving and serving all human beings.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:39am
@Angry Rottweiler They follow only world affairs not Pakistan's. This is trivial topic and doesn't meet their standards.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:42am
Obviously a terrorist suppoeter cant see a liberal pakistan.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:51am
@usman are you sure?
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Nov 13, 2015 08:55am
Can't these people keep quiet and inspire others to become religious.
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Nov 13, 2015 08:56am
Yes. Millions of people sacrificed their lived in creating Pakistan, yet the religious parties were against the creation of Pakistan! And now they claim they helped Jinnah and Iqbal ?
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Nov 13, 2015 08:59am
Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will prosper better if these countries literally throw out all such insane religious and political leaders, doesn't matter whether they are Hindhu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh or Buddhist leaders. Let all of them create a separate jungle world of their own so that they can live in Stone Age.
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Nov 13, 2015 09:01am
No country in world is liberal . Is India is Liberal ?
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Nov 13, 2015 09:17am
moulana is right in some aspects
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Nov 13, 2015 09:32am
Thy were the same ppl who were accusing army 4 not taking any action against Govt or sparing govt, & now army has given a single statement abt govt , & u guys strtd creating this chaos. U guys r not b happy with anything.
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Nov 13, 2015 09:32am
Whatever, We support liberal Pakistan.
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Nov 13, 2015 09:42am
The Art of making issues....
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Nov 13, 2015 09:52am
Can't you be a Muslim and be liberal? Why should you be either Islamic or liberal?
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Nov 13, 2015 09:56am
You can either be a country based on religion and go back to dark age or be a country based on knowledge and scientific enquiry and move forward.
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Nov 13, 2015 09:59am
@usman Yes it shows all over the world specially in middle east & gulf.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:00am
Pakistan is not a liberal country!!!
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Nov 13, 2015 10:04am
These Maulanas do not raise their voice against social injustice, crimes, corruption, emancipation, and all other ills which plague our society very badly, but they are vociferous when it comes to non issues like this. These Maulanas exploit religion for their own good and play with innocent minds of the masses.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:13am
What is Islam and what it call for, is not followed in Muslim world. Therefore, Muslim world is bleeding and weak. 90% don't follow Islam with regard to their daily life and responsibility towards human being.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:22am
“liberal Pakistan” is a violation of the ideology of Pakistan.- Totally agree, and Pakistan should not try to confuse world by lebeling it a liberal country
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Nov 13, 2015 10:22am
I was detained on airports many times just because I have the green passport.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:22am
@Angry Rottweiler we are here and we won't let this tide go backwards. Truth is Pakistan has always been an open minded country. Conservatism is pushed down our throats and western media just loves to portray Pakistan as such. Pakistan has never elected a religious party or even a party with religious backing or undertones.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:25am
@usman No Sir, in the hands of these mullahs ISLAM is not different than a fascist organisation. Intolerance, bigotry, seven century practices are considered normal. It is about time these so called Islamic scholars arecsent to Saudi Arabia for some real eye openers to bring them to the face of a version of Islam which is cowed into the service of the king.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:28am
@Farhan ..I'm happy I got the western passport I don't have to deal with being Pakistani anymore.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:35am
@usman haha good joke
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Nov 13, 2015 10:38am
Last time I checked Islam is a liberal religion. A religion where every human is free to practice what ever religion they want. Now I think it would be beneficial for Pakistan if we stop Mulah's take over. They have damaged Islam, and its followers.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:42am
Worrying signs in Pakistan - There is a fear of Tolerance growing. People may start returning their awards.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:47am
Pakistan Need to meaning of liberal ? Islam is the best liberal religion. Pakistan should step with carefully bcz they lead a gratefull Nation
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Nov 13, 2015 10:47am
Article has quoted "ideology of Pakistan". What is it specifically? Can someone enlighten me?
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Nov 13, 2015 10:49am
@Muhammad
Please learn the difference in 'real liberalism' and how is this term commonly used and practiced. There is a huge difference.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:53am
Yes, this is indeed an Islamic state with a strong fervour of religious tolerance which led to great achievements ins cience technology and arts during the liberal tolerant period of Islam. We need to send this man to school to learn islamic history first before he makes such statements.
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Nov 13, 2015 10:58am
@Jawad U r lucky
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Nov 13, 2015 11:04am
@Dipak Singh Usman is correct
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Nov 13, 2015 11:06am
@Sooraj No actually intelactual's will starts returning awards if Govt. & public start became Tolerant.
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Nov 13, 2015 11:08am
Just a simple logic-being liberal simply means that a particular person is ready to accept positive changes.It doesn't mean you are vulgar or you are following western culture blindly.It is always better to be rational and logical than being religious.Every culture has some flaws,it is better to accept it,try to fix those problems and make the world a better place to live.
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Nov 13, 2015 11:11am
@usman Neither you know meaning of religion!
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Nov 13, 2015 11:12am
@Muhammad and so called liberals like you wouldn't ever get there dream fulfilled.
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Nov 13, 2015 11:12am
@ysk It will never be InshAllah
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Nov 13, 2015 11:15am
Does any country need a religion to progress and develop? Think
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Nov 13, 2015 11:17am
The masses have rejected these bigots who promote a narrow version of Islam. Lets once again become Republic of Pakistan and secular as was the case when Pakistan was born.
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Nov 13, 2015 11:28am
Before criticizing India about intolerant and giving lecture on the subject by all Pakistani experts let Pakistan decide if it is Islamic or liberal society
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Nov 13, 2015 11:31am
@Avi Usman is correct , only thing one should have better understanding of Islam.
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Nov 13, 2015 11:33am
by the way look at your Arabs masters they have moved way ahead .
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Nov 13, 2015 11:37am
They need to learn islam first, before understanding the Word liberal!
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Nov 13, 2015 12:00pm
@el cid ,agree with your spirit but a country can be religious, tolerant, liberal and science oriented at the same time.
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Nov 13, 2015 12:14pm
@ Usman, We need to consider the connotation that this word (liberal) carries when it is used with regard to an Islamic state.
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Nov 13, 2015 12:20pm
Pakistan is an Islamic country. So a natural corollary will be a Hindu India. So why do Pakistanis start losing their sleep when Hindutva elements gain ascendency in India. I find it very perplexing.
For record let me clarify that I am a staunch believer in a secular India but need to understand the Pakistani viewpoint. Hence my post.
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Nov 13, 2015 12:57pm
These "religious leaders" cannot think deeper than letting out just "hot air" for their personal interests at the cost of the country
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Nov 13, 2015 12:59pm
Illiterate maulanas need to learn what liberal means.
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Nov 13, 2015 01:09pm
@saleem know what India is. A muslim , a Sikh had been the Presidents of India. A woman was the prime minister. Muslim actors are the heartthrob of a billion people. And most important a Parsi and a muslim are in the list of the richest Indians. Please, to understand India u need to live in India.
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Nov 13, 2015 01:11pm
@usman may be true but the liberalization which our politiciatians talk about will leave us nowhere.
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Nov 13, 2015 01:35pm
These Mulla's have caused so much trouble. What is so ironic is that so called religious leaders did not want a separate country at the time of partition.
The Pakistani nation needs to move forward and not have mentality like a caveman.
Religion should always be separate from the state . Religion should always be a personal choice.
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Nov 13, 2015 01:45pm
Pakistan was not created for Maulvies.
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Nov 13, 2015 01:57pm
Please get rid of these people, else they will take your country to dark ages.
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Nov 13, 2015 02:00pm
Pakistan should be a liberal and an Islamic state, i see no dichotomy here. Islam is a liberal and modern religion. All it is needed is to get the soul of it and separate spiritual from rituals.
Islam gives equal rights to all sections of society, all minorities. God is 'rab-ul-alameen', and not just of Muslims.
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Nov 13, 2015 02:05pm
Islamic republic of Pakistan can be liberal. We should aim for this distinction. Liberal doesn't mean night clubs and gay marches it just means being democratic, nationalist and crushing communal movements that aim to divide Jinnahs Pakistan. Freedom of expression within confines of the law.
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Nov 13, 2015 02:36pm
The country is not liberal. What it needs is not to be liberal but to be liberated from mullahs, who have taken this country hostage. And the liberation should start now, or nothing else will matter.
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Nov 13, 2015 02:51pm
The basis of the creation of Pakistan is Islamic Ideology. If liberalism means freedom to the followers of other faiths then Islam gives full protection to their rights. There is no discrimination on the basis of the religion in this world, only God will judge on the Day of Judgement.
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Nov 13, 2015 02:52pm
Backwards mentality that our religious leaders hold is the reason why Pakistan couldn't progress. For a country to move forward you need to forget the hundred year old mentality and seek newer and better ways to move forward. That being said in no such way is Pakistan a liberal state. Want to see progress and a truly liberal country ? If so then forget the Molvi mentality. Malaysia did that and look how much it has progressed in 30 years.
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Nov 13, 2015 02:55pm
Will someone please tell the Mullah that PM said liberal in terms of the economy (read the speach).
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Nov 13, 2015 02:59pm
Islam is a liberal religion. Pakistan is a liberal country. Pakistan allows all religions to practice their faith with full freedom. There us no place in Pakistan for a tunnel vision.
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Nov 13, 2015 03:05pm
@Farhan the issue is not "I".
The issue is Pakistan.
In Pakistan all religions should flourish.
That is a Liberal Pakistan.
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Nov 13, 2015 03:08pm
@usman
Also no other country should be more Liberal than Pakistan.
Pakistan allows all religions tone practiced with full freedom. A Liberal Pakistan.
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Nov 13, 2015 03:17pm
These people wants to bring Pakistan in 10th century. It is time for Pakistani's to make a choice and break with these
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Nov 13, 2015 03:23pm
H'able leaders, mere criticising will not help. Events are overtaking Muslims and they are being left behind. There is urgent need to invest time and energies in 'mainstreaming' Islam and Muslims. There is 'intellectual isolation' which can only be broken by developing capacity in scholarship and engaging world community on issues of concern to both sides.
Pak religious leaders , please pause and think about this.
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Nov 13, 2015 03:24pm
All the terrorist sympathisers should be behind bars.....
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Nov 13, 2015 03:31pm
a state should never be religious. it promote a certain ideology which can be far away from reality
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Nov 13, 2015 03:36pm
Excellent Statement by the PM. We will protect our minorities and celebrate their festivals and religious occassions. This is the way forward for a progressive nation.
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Nov 13, 2015 03:38pm
We're proud liberals.
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Nov 13, 2015 04:00pm
Poor PM is caught between the two extremes. He can,t be on one side and may have to run between the two for some better combination.
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Nov 13, 2015 04:13pm
I think Malaysia & Indonesia are Islamic countries.. But still liberals.
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Nov 13, 2015 04:34pm
Liberal mindset & full freedom are needed to promote innovation in Pakistan.
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Nov 13, 2015 04:45pm
@Sandip Bhatia well said, being a muslim i agree
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Nov 13, 2015 04:56pm
IK is to be given credit for making JUI almost irrelevant in national decision making.
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Nov 13, 2015 05:17pm
They spread hate in the name of religion. Shame on them. The people are wiser and won't let them corrupt minds. Say yes to a tolerant and liberal Pakistan.
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Nov 13, 2015 05:17pm
It is individuals ideology to think that a particular religion is liberal or conservative . To my believe all the religions are basically liberal . Just to highlight themselves they are putting different ideas about the liberal Islamic State. In the present scientific era liberal and conservative are out dated things it should have been progressive cum liberal for every citizen of the country whether it is Pakistan or India or some other country.
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Nov 13, 2015 05:20pm
These mullahs and a large section of the society don't understand the true meaning of liberalism. One can be a liberal and a good Muslim at the same time but somehow the ignorant elements in the country associate liberalism with promiscuous way of life. Those who blindly follow these mullahs in rejecting liberal ideas need to find the facts.
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Nov 13, 2015 05:27pm
I think both PM and this Mullah are equally unaware of what "liberal" means
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Nov 13, 2015 07:39pm
@Sandip Bhatia You have to read the book to find that answer.
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Nov 13, 2015 11:14pm
The fact is that nobody votes for them yet they keep talking about the masses?
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Nov 14, 2015 04:08am
"You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State". In the same speech he said "We are starting in the days where there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between one caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle: that we are all citizens, and equal citizens, of one State."- Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
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Nov 15, 2015 07:36am
Islam is liberal and peace loving
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