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LAHORE: Hundreds gathered outside Lahore's Hafeez Center on Monday, protesting police's arrest of a shopkeeper for putting up an anti-Ahmadi poster.
The protesters consisted largely of shopkeepers from Hafeez Center, Lahore's largest electronic marketplace. They gathered on Main Boulevard opposite the center, holding placards and chanting slogans against the arrest of shopkeeper Abid Hashmi and the filing of a case against him.
On Sunday, Gulberg police arrested Hashmi for putting up a notice declaring Ahmadis “infidels” and banning their entry into his shop.
According to a news release, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr Haider Ashraf took notice of the pasting and directed the Model Town Division Superintendent of Police (SP) Mustansar Feroze to arrest the suspect.
On Saturday, a police team led by Gulberg Station House Officer (SHO) Yousuf Butt had conducted a raid on the shop and removed the poster. Hashmi was arrested Sunday and a case was registered against him under sections 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code and 16 of the MPO.
The DIG said the National Action Plan (NAP) would be implemented at all costs and strict action taken against violators. He said no one would be allowed to post any hate material against any religious group.
The issue was brought to the DIG’s attention by people concerned with the contents of the poster. Under the NAP, police officials were directed to take action against any reported instances of hate speech and crime.
On Wednesday night, a photograph of the notice pasted outside the Hafeez Centre shop had gone viral on social media, demanding that the Punjab government and city officials "take action" against the "shameful" poster.
Also read: Police take down offensive anti-minority poster in Lahore after outrage
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Dec 14, 2015 07:08pm
He must be jailed for 5 years minimum...
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Dec 14, 2015 07:08pm
Boycott Hafeez Centre!!!!!
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Dec 14, 2015 07:09pm
a step taken for the right cause to stop hate speech and the level of jahalat i can see in the people who are protesting in favor of this silly guy who is spreading hate among Pakistanis. Then the koom asks why is there killing and why does the world hate muslims.
May the righteous prevail ..!!
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Dec 14, 2015 07:09pm
This is what other shop owners do when one of their "shop owner" get arrested in the bazar or a market in support. I have heared of this many times. I see this in light of this and not political statements of sort. People should live and let live. Most of the puritans do not even know the besics of Islam, if they did they would not put hateful signboard on their shops.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:18pm
These pakistanis want equal rights when they travel abroad, cry on injustices happening to muslims in india and elsewhere, and criticize Trump for speaking his mind about terrorism but they treat minorities living in Pakistan like subhumans. I visit Hafeez Centre often and such posters are placed in many shops.
It is not about a few shopkeepers. The whole society has the same mindset.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:23pm
What is wrong with these people? They expect that people like them be treated with respect in other countries but they do not practice the same behavior themselves. These are hypocrites.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:25pm
@Javed - I agree with you. This cancer has been left alone for so long that it has taken its roots and it will take a lot of effort to root it out.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:26pm
here needs brutal action and don't let anyone intervene, if needed arrest them and bring in the court of law.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:27pm
This is the difference between Pakistan and other countries. In India people protest if there is hateful speech but in Pakistan people come out on streets to protest against the arrest of people responsible for hateful posters. I think this is the time that religious leaders should come out and support the arrest of that shopkeeper else they will appear as stupid when they will criticize Donald Trump on tv shoes.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:29pm
they should be dealt with severly and the market should be sealed till these hate mongers are taught a lesson.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:29pm
The Ahemadies living Pakistan or else ware have the same right as any other citizen of Pakistan or any minority community like Parsi, Hindu or Catholic Or Protestant or even Jews under the Democratic norm and the constitution of the country.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:29pm
How such protests in the favor of people spreading hatred are allowed after NAP?
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Dec 14, 2015 07:31pm
Shameful hypocrisy on part of these protestors
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Dec 14, 2015 07:31pm
Hate mongering in any shape or form must be condemned, stopped and banned by force, no ifs or butts.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:31pm
Hate mongering in any shape or form must be condemned, stopped and banned by force, no ifs or butts.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:32pm
It's the mindset which needs to change. People protesting against this hate monger's arrest shows it all about our mentality as a nation. And that's the basis of terrorism. Curriculum in schools need to change drastically to teach love, respect and tolerance for everyone. This mentality of "us being Muslims are superior" than followers of other religions need to change.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:32pm
Good move, keep him locked up! No hate speech should be allowed in our country!
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Dec 14, 2015 07:32pm
Punjab gov had made its point by removing the posters. by arresting the shopkeepers, it has increased the stakes and unified the traders needlessly. now the traders will make it personal issue.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:34pm
Finally Punjab police did something good, the shop keeper should be in jail as an example
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Dec 14, 2015 07:34pm
As a British Pakistani I will be writing to the British government to suggest that all the owner of hafeez centre be refused any visa to travel to the UK - it is Pakistanis with extremist ideology such as his that give other peaceful Pakistanis living abroad a bad name
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Dec 14, 2015 07:35pm
He is spreading hatred and wants to gain cheap popularity and sympathy of the anti-Ahmadis- the majority. He should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:36pm
Tolerance and intolerance are the new subject of universal unrest being engineered, fabricated and planted to please those who celebrate the self annihilation of Muslims by falling into their traps.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:38pm
"A move in the right direction" I hope that he is jailed and also pays "compensation" to the people he is discrimination against and that "nobody" should give their "patronage" to such individuals.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:39pm
They all should also be booked for abetting and supporting a criminal
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Dec 14, 2015 07:41pm
Kindly out all the protesters also in jail for many many years.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:46pm
Imagine how those people feel who were born in this country and lived all their lives but face discrimination on regular basis.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:47pm
There is no room for hate.
No excuse.
Prison sentence a must
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Dec 14, 2015 07:49pm
The best solution is to arrest a few more and fine all the shop owners for
spreading hate.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:49pm
Nothing will happen to Hashmi. Only removal of poster was enough.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:52pm
@Rudy salim .... They don't have the right to make more money.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:54pm
All protesters should also be arrested.
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Dec 14, 2015 07:58pm
very sad new i am in Raja center main market gulber right now and here many Christians and Ahmadis but no 1 hate then we love each other
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Dec 14, 2015 07:58pm
The names of all those protesting should be made available to western visa consulates - given what has happened in California we should aim to refuse visas to all extremists - these type of people demand human rights for themselves in western countries but want to deny ahmadis the same rights
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Dec 14, 2015 08:00pm
Removal of poster was a good sign...one step at a time to educate the masses. However, if a law is broken then one must be presented to courts and courts alone can decide action to be taken.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:01pm
Brilliant. Must be sentenced for life. At last Punjab police decided to act in the interest of people of Pakistan!!!
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Dec 14, 2015 08:06pm
I bet all these shopkeepers cry foul against Trump. Time to boycott Hafeez centre and protect fellow Pakistanis. Tabdeeli!!!
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Dec 14, 2015 08:07pm
Gulberg is most Liberal and Secular area in Pakistan and i know people of this town is very free minded
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Dec 14, 2015 08:10pm
These people who are demonstrating has no morals. I could not believe that I belong there and have been living with these kind of people. Unbeleibable and unimaginable thinking and mentality. Feel very sorry for Ahmidis.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:11pm
Boycott the Hafeez centre and hurt them where it really hurts, in their pockets!
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Dec 14, 2015 08:11pm
Today morning when I read this news, I thought pk would change in 5 years....but now....it will take another 25 years...
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Dec 14, 2015 08:12pm
@ Gulberg I agree with you brother i know Gulberg is modern and uper class area
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Dec 14, 2015 08:14pm
The best thing as a consumer would be to stop patronising Hafeez centre. But we, the people of Lahore, wont do that because that would inconvenience us.That is the only way to show the traders that hate speech against any community is unacceptable and that they should not support a man who was doing so. We like to rant against the Americans that they are treating muslims badly but what about us. Ahmedis are Pakistanis like us. They have the right to live freely in this country as the rest of us do.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:15pm
@ Gulberg I think Hafeez center market Union is responsible jail them all members of market union
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Dec 14, 2015 08:16pm
Any person who is spreading the racism must be punished. We have a literacy problem in our ountry, government should handle these guys with iron hand.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:26pm
@Kerala, That is why there are so many Keralites in the Middle East.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:35pm
jailing such people will not resolve matters. They need to be educated properly and provide proper insight on what they are doing is wrong.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:36pm
The poster was removed that was enough now the authorities are making sure that the
Ahamadis are attacked and the problem converts into riots...This arrest will not solve
the problem or increase love..that is supposed to be taught at schools...not jails...
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Dec 14, 2015 08:49pm
All those protesting should also be rounded up and put behind the bars.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:53pm
It is sick to watch people protesting in favor of the culprit. It also shows how deep the hatred has penetrated in the society. In order to make an example, the government needs to also arrest those who are supporting the culprit and give them exemplary punishment. We must kill the venom and through it away in a zealot like manner if we want Pakistan to survive in the 21st century as a viable and progressive country.
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Dec 14, 2015 08:53pm
Punjab government deserves full support for this action. Keep up the good work PMLN
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Dec 14, 2015 08:55pm
Blacklist Hafeez Center. Arrest all protestors. Enforce law strictly. Make Pakistan liveable.
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Dec 14, 2015 09:16pm
Good to see sane comments here.
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Dec 14, 2015 09:23pm
Zero tolerance for anyone who preaches / spreads hate
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Dec 14, 2015 09:29pm
A sensitive issue, showing that there is no space for iterfaith harmony in our society.Which is not a good sign indeed.But Punjab Police did the job very well.
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Dec 14, 2015 09:33pm
If the government gives up to the protestors, believe me there will be lot more protest everywhere. What right wing extremists want? Pakistan just cannot push 2 to 5 million Ahmadis out of country or in the ocean? We already declare them non-Muslims. What else do you want? What are we afraid of? Are we afraid that our own religion is not strong enough and that 2 to 5 million Ahmadis will hijack our religion? Ahmadis are Pakistani citizen too and we should accommodate them. We should be tolerant enough to live together in peace and harmony. Ahmadis are also humans. They are living under constant threats and fear of being killed by mob. I challenged every mullah in Pakistan to prove me with Quranic verses where it says to kill the non-believers. .
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Dec 14, 2015 09:49pm
Shame on all these protesters.
As a sunni muslim, I demand equal rights to all Pakistanis, whether shia, sunni, ahmedi or anyone else.
We must stand united as one nation and there should be no place for discrimination.
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Dec 14, 2015 09:51pm
The state has a very poor track record of dealing with such matters. All it will take is for the traders to call on the assistance of some local mosque or madrassa and the next thing you know their storming the jail, or burning down Ahmadi homes. I doubt the govt has the capacity to maintain this stance, they will likely surrender.
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Dec 14, 2015 09:58pm
Agree with usman Boycott intolerant Hafeez CentrE
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Dec 14, 2015 10:05pm
No Sir!! No more hate specch. We can't tolerate it as a nation.
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Dec 14, 2015 10:10pm
I am disgusted with these people who support bigotry and hatred. There is no respect of human rights. All Pakistanis regardless of religion and race should be treated with respect and dignity.
I am very sad to see that so many of us think otherwise.
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Dec 14, 2015 10:16pm
These protesters are equally criminal as the the one who posted hate message on his shop.
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Dec 14, 2015 10:23pm
Hat off for Lahore Police. Action must be taken under Anti-Terrorism Act against the accused and his supporters
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Dec 14, 2015 10:35pm
We scream Islamaphobia when Islamists willfully break secular laws in western countries which have allowed them refuge and there is public discourse protecting those values by citizens who have contributed to nation building. Munafiqs are we not??
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Dec 14, 2015 11:06pm
Yes. Boycott Hafeez Centre ASAP. Communal hatred based upon someone religious or non religious beliefs
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Dec 14, 2015 11:10pm
Hard to believe but maybe the nation is finally realizing that religion is an individual matter.
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Dec 14, 2015 11:33pm
When is the clean up operation starting in Punjab ? Just saying
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Dec 14, 2015 11:46pm
Those protesting people be arrested as they practically showed their mindset. They should be educated in the jail I mean their brain should washed of the hate completely.
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Dec 14, 2015 11:52pm
Boycott Hafeez Centre and its extremist shopkeepers.
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Dec 15, 2015 12:07am
Positive action at last. Good job.
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Dec 15, 2015 12:17am
Ahmadis are citizens of Pakistan
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Dec 15, 2015 12:19am
The hatemonger should be arrested and punished. Police is right. I appeal for full support to the police and law agencies for arresting the 'fasaadi' shop keeper
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Dec 15, 2015 12:42am
There should be a special chapter in curriculum to teach new generation to get along and ever one has right to live.
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Dec 15, 2015 01:43am
minorities should be treated with respect in Islamic state as Jews used to be treated in last prophet days.
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Dec 15, 2015 01:47am
Expected rresults:
SHO will be dismissed or his life will bevin danger,
Shopkeeper will release with "strict" warning, and he will become hero of the "nation" ,
More and more pamphlets appears as an act of saving "islam"
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Dec 15, 2015 01:49am
Can't believe this kind of culture still exists among people. What would happen if a Hindu or a Christian shop keeper displays a board that Muslims are not allowed in the shop or store. Police did the right thing by arresting him.
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Dec 15, 2015 01:52am
the owner of hafeez centre be refused any visa to travel to the world it is Pakistanis with extremist ideology such as his that give other peaceful Pakistanis living abroad a bad name
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Dec 15, 2015 01:53am
Congratulatios to Punjab Police for taking such strong and bold AND unprecidetal action.
If such people r taken to Law, it is sure that such hatefull attitude of the extremist will be discouraged.
Punjab Police --HURRAH
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Dec 15, 2015 02:10am
Start a campaign to boycott HAfiz center till they apologize and start respecting Humanity.
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Dec 15, 2015 02:36am
TTP supporters. Their hate has caused irreparable damage to the nation. Their sickly attitude must be condemned and their punishment must be exemplary so next time they think twice before they spread hate.
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Dec 15, 2015 02:39am
Let it be known that not All Pakistanis support such idiocy.
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Dec 15, 2015 02:41am
It's annoying because I know Hafeez Center like back of my hand. Business is booming there and many of those guys I have personally seen starting business riding on bicycles now they are driving Hilux and Land Cruiser trucks and nice cars. Middle class hard workers. I hope they are not the ones who are part of the crowd and it's just local hooligans and trouble makers with nothing better to do. Pakistanis need to stand united, forget this sect nonsense.
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Dec 15, 2015 03:19am
Boycott Hafeez Center, let them protest. Government must not succumb to these goons
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Dec 15, 2015 03:31am
Juat amazing! I can love my country again. I wish we had done it a long time ago. Muhammad Ali Jinnah , Sir, rest in peace ,we will do as you had envisioned.
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Dec 15, 2015 03:47am
Boycott all those idiots.
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Dec 15, 2015 03:47am
Please do not blame the people alone. If government puts this person with hate poster in Jail for at least 20 years and those who came out on streets to protest are also put in jail for 20 years, non bailable, then next demonstration will never come.
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Dec 15, 2015 03:56am
Step in the right direction as others said but i know nothing will happen in the end. Just worried about the lives of the police officers involved.
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Dec 15, 2015 04:22am
Are these people stupid, what happened to religious tolerance. The same people will complain when western people prevent Muslims from entering their shops. There is no place for this kind of behaviour, this person divided a nation by putting this poster - boycott his shop and the shopping centre.
We talk about peace & tolerance what is this then - we have to lead by example.
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Dec 15, 2015 04:36am
@Farukh no....feel very sorry about us, not Ahmdeis...
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Dec 15, 2015 04:41am
Why do we complain about Donald Trump talking against Muslims? Hating someone on the basis of religion, nationality, race, color, or gender is against the law and the government has the right to enforce it.
Every citizen of Pakistan has the right to practice his / her religion.
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Dec 15, 2015 04:44am
Hats off for DIG Police for implementimg the first step in right direction!
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Dec 15, 2015 04:52am
Government should be very harsh with these bigots.
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Dec 15, 2015 05:01am
Good authorities action. A step in right direction to reduce/eliminate hatred and injustice. If we, Pakistan wants to progress and wants to be considered a respectable nation then we have to show that constructive steps are being taken and all Pakistani have the equal rights. When all citizen will feel that Pakistan belongs to each and all then economy will be vibrant and people will feel self respected. Thanks authorities.
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Dec 15, 2015 05:39am
Poster was a reflection of shop keeper's mind and was only damaging his business. There was no more punishment needed for this shop keeper.
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Dec 15, 2015 07:30am
@Iqbal Malik It seems you also have a literacy problem. Read what the real issue is, then comment!
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Dec 15, 2015 07:32am
@Ahmed A. Haha!
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Dec 15, 2015 08:48am
Hate can only be overcome with love.
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Dec 15, 2015 09:44am
Another useless debate
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Dec 15, 2015 02:19pm
shame on us Pakistanis for this mentality.
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Dec 15, 2015 09:03pm
It seems like a step in the right direction. Whether they will punish him or not. I don't now. But at least the thought and action taken against this hate crime is worth a pat on the back. I hope they try to put an end to this hate crime completely. Even those against other minorities such as the Christians.
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Dec 15, 2015 11:15pm
If such actions were taken long before we would never had reached the miserable condition we are in today. Letting such injustices happen has lead many to believe they can do whatever they please with minorities. Minorities no longer felt safe in their own country. Finally a comendable action has been taken by the authorities.
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Dec 16, 2015 10:13am
such kind of hateful graffiti is inscribed on many shops in almost every market,, such is proliferation of hate-based religious teachings and indoctrination in Pakistan,, i don't think Govt can cope with it, even nawaz sharif would have to risk losing election because many people has gone down the blind alley of religious indoctrination far too deep
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Dec 16, 2015 10:35am
Shop keeper have the public support.
As per democratic principles, he should be released on public demand.
Otherwise we should abolish democracy and implement autocratic secularism and never ask for democracy again
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Dec 17, 2015 08:49am
PM should take notice and make a committee
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