Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
Asma Jahangir calls on Nawaz to take notice of Safdar's 'unacceptable' attack on Ahmadis
Human rights lawyer and activist Asma Jahangir on Tuesday demanded former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to take notice of retired Capt Muhammad Safdar's tirade against the persecuted Ahmadi community.
On Tuesday, Safdar, who is the former prime minister's son-in-law and a member of the ruling PML-N, accused the faith group of acting against the country's interests and called for action against its members.
"These people [Ahmadis] are a threat to this country, its Constitution and ideology," Safdar had said.
Appearing on DawnNews talk show News Wise, Jahangir said that Safdar's incendiary speech made in the National Assembly was unacceptable and "highly discriminatory".
Read more: A vulnerable minority
"Such words are spoken by those who we consider to be extremists; such remarks being made by a member of the NA is shocking," said the activist. "I believe Capt Safdar tried to incite [hatred]. While speaking in the NA, one must maintain respect."
Jahangir demanded that Nawaz take notice of Safdar's speech and urged all political parties to condemn it, voicing her concern that such incidents are not even condemned by the civil society anymore.
"Around the world, nobody can speak about their minority populations in such a manner," Jahangir said. "If we do not raise our voice against this incident today, people like this (who make such remarks against minorities), will form a majority."
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in a tweet on Wednesday, condemned the speech without mentioning Captain Safdar's name.
"The bigotry, hatred and extremism on display in the National Assembly yesterday goes to show that the Nawaz league has been mainstreaming terror well before Milli Muslim League . No place for this mindset in our society," Bilawal said in his tweet.
During his speech, Safdar also criticised the renaming of Quaid-i-Azam University's (QAU) physics centre after Professor Dr Abdus Salam, the country's first Nobel laureate — the grounds for the lawmaker's objections being the scientist's Ahmadi faith.
Safdar referred to Dr Salam as "a controversial figure that has been termed an infidel in light of the Constitution".
Speaking to Dawn.com, Dr Javed Ashraf, vice-chancellor of the university, said that the renaming of the centre had been approved by Nawaz in December 2016.
"I feel every Pakistani should honour top intellectuals — regardless of their caste, colour and creed," Dr Ashraf said. "Every Pakistani should be equally honoured for their achievements."
Safdar's tirade
During his speech, Safdar had also called for 'action' against the Ahmadi community and said said he wanted to bring a resolution in the NA calling for a “ban on recruitment of Qadianis [Ahmadis] in the armed forces".
"Because their’s is a false religion, in which there is no concept of jihad for Allah,” said Safdar, who continued his harangue against the community uninterrupted by other members of the House.
Safdar referred to the appointment of and promotion of military officers who he said were members of the Ahmadi community and "could not be trusted" with the responsibility of guarding the country's frontiers. He further said that government servants should be made to sign a declaration that they swear by the idea of Khatm-i-Naboowat.
“We have faith in Khatm-i-Naboowat. This is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a country of 220 million people...I call Zulfikar Ali Bhutto a shaheed because he protected the idea of finality of prophethood and was hanged for doing so.”
Pakistan was created with an ideology to protect the finality of Prophethood [Khatm-i-Naboowat] so Islam is practised here, the PML-N leader said.
Capt Safdar's remarks in the NA caused an uproar on social media, with many questioning whether action could be taken against the lawmaker.
Safdar and his wife Maryam are currently facing a trial in the National Accountably Bureau's court with regards to the Avenfield reference.
Comments (104) Closed
Good Ms.Asma! No toleration of such mindset
She is right......Capt's speech at best was 'ignorant' and at worst divisive and cheap popular attempt to wow religious votes to PMLN
Capt. Safder speech is against founding principle of Islam and against teaching of our beloved Prophet (MPBH). He should feel shame because of him Pakistanis are laughing stock in the owrld
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
It is time for the entire nation to speak up.
I support Asma Jahangir. Strict action should be taken against this guy.
He must be made to resign from NA.
Pmln is deliberately expressing hate towards minorties, to cause hatred against Pakistan as the most intolerant country.
This is disgraceful for an MNA to speak against minorities like that. SC should take notice!
We weep and whine over Rohingya persecution in Burma but do much worst with Ahmedis (and others who we call "minorities") in Pakistan.
She never spoken for the most inhumanly persecuted Rohingya Muslim
I am confused it is to gain cheap popularity or to develop hatrad.
Put him behind the bars is the least punishment for him
Great ! she is so vocal for local minorities. Has she ever spoken against discriminatory treatment to Muslims around the world. Certainly not, because that would not be liked by the west! Did she so promptly and/or ever condemned the atrocities in Burma, Syria and Kashmir ?
I hope Imran Khan wins next elections and appoints Asma Jahangir as the president of the country.
Already rift in Sharif Family. So taking notice is not easy.
PMLN trying to emulate ZAB drama of1974 to divert attention from their problems.
They can get away with anything so rest of people in power to the same putting country's economy and wealth distribution gap larger and unfairer.
For the first time, I support Asma Jahangir and her denouncing of the most deplorable speech made in NA.
Everybody should have the right to live in peace regardless of religion, color, ethnicity or race.
She should ask the state Not nawaz shreef
Well.... Each human being is equal.... so are Muslims... its pity that Ms. Asma does not have words for the killings of Muslims in any part of the world.
Captain Safdar is either going to jail in connection with panama issue, or he will try to live outside his mother country. With such speeches he may find difficult to enter one of the European countries.
@Muhammad Naeem Memon She is speaking this time because her husband belong to this group. Otherwise she remain silent when it comes to other groups.
@Owais She is a Pakistani living in Pakistan. We should first put our own house in order before lecturing others. Imagine Hitler telling other countries to treat their minorities with respect. Its people like you who condone excesses against minorities.
If Nawaz Sharif does not condemn this - unconditionally and get this person out of the politics - I will understand that it was not Captain Safdar who said this - it was the entire PML-N.
Bravo Asma
@Muhammad Naeem Memon She is a Pakistani living in Pakistan. We should first put our own house in order before lecturing others. Imagine Hitler telling other countries to treat their minorities with respect. Its people like you who condone excesses against minorities. What if your family member gets persecuted. I am sure Asma Jehangir will be the first one to raise her voice. Dont bank on your neighborhood people.
We condemn Captain (Retarded) Safdar as well as his incendiary & unwarranted speech, aimed at gaining cheap popularity among the extremist sections of society, and aimed at drawing away attention from the very tangible charges of gross corruption & perjury instituted against him & his in-laws. We should respect Dr. Abdus Salam for his scientific achievements irrespective of his faith. And we need not vilify others to prove our own faith.
I just want to ask Asma Jahangir that these are the people you are siding with. This is the truth face of Nawaz Shariff and his clan and Asma has been giving public speeches in favour of Nawaz Shareef.
Now Asma must clarify her position in public as she is standing in whose Ranks and files. Safdar can not do such things without the permission from his father in law.
If I was Capt safdar, and had been arrested two days ago, and was in accountability court one day ago, I would have kept a low profile for a few days. Either he is totally ignorant of what is going on with him, or he has probably the worst political advisers in the history of political advisers. Kind of sums up PMLN as a party really.
Though she is right in saying this but why demanded this to NS, should have demanded this to PM or the Speaker !
Whatever the speech was Ms Asma you are crying because you yourself is an Ahmedi.
Have you heard of the
"The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy"
Other nations respect our scientists and you corrupt politicians are after every institution and notable minds of the nation. I wonder if you have a stable mindset?
I love the manner you conferred this. You actually have an honest grasp on what’s required to reach digitally selling alittle business. the matter is that almost all individuals recently became familiar with instant gratification, thus expect instant results from their selling efforts. the fact is, that to succeed with any style of selling, you've got to be consistent, deliberate and most of all, terribly patient.
genuine essay writing service
@Muhammad Naeem Memon Because home comes first. First you have to speak against injustice at home. It is a universal fact. You always do the community work in your city first not other countries.
Her demands are totally justified.
For once I agree with her, almost always i can’t due her bais
@Owais because home comes first. You first speak against injustice at home and then if your country is some how perfect, you critise other ppl outside the country.
Safdar is a disgusting creep and a black stain on the military. If PMLN cannot cut him to size, the military should.
This is a disgusting thing coming out of someone who has been elected multiple times. Shame on him! Its time we stopped voting for these people.
During recent NA120 by-elections, I watched on TV, Mariam Nawaz uttering very nice words about Christians. Why she is silent and not condemning the outbursts of husband against Ahmedis.
Sad to hear Capt. Safdar making such rampant statement. Action should be taken against anybody who incite such hatred among us Pakistanis. Say no to hate is the message we were preached by the Prophet (SAWW).
Normally i dont agree with Miss Asma Jahangir, but in this case i fully agree and support her.
Asma is 100% right. This speech has to be condemned. Shameful that it was in parliament which represents all minorities.
My question to all the people who are criticizing Captain Safder for his speech is, why are they not criticizing PMLN , PPP, MQM and PTI because all the MNAs of these parties quietly listened to Captain Safdar hate speech in the parliament and didnt say a word , during or after his speech. Don't blame Captain Safdar. They are all the same.
Brave lady , kudos , very few people in Pakistan has the moral courage to stand with the oppressed people., and time will prove that this was the right side of history
@Muhammad Naeem Memon : So you think what Capt (R) Safdar said in the Parliament is right. Shame on you as well.
@Harmony-1© "This is disgraceful for an MNA to speak against minorities like that." Disgraceful, maybe. Profitable, certainly.
@Owais - is she a Pakistani Lawyer or a world lawyer. Shame on you
@ZAK hatred against pak is because some people can speak that way
just a desperate attempt to divert attention from their corruption and their hidden moves to change the related declarations from the election forms...
Thanx to madam,she is a globally respected personality, what she craves is most sincerely heeded all along the world. A real warrior in a mechonist society of south Asia.
Wow what a country
Pleased to see Asma speaking out against what was said by Mian Nawaz's daughter, Maryam Nawaz husband said yesterday. I seems he was targeting "A" person who did not obey Mian Nawaz who wanted to remain as PM by hook or crook. Expect to see more from PMN in coming days. I wonder if he is petroit ??
She is right.
@Naveed That is such an illiterate comment
@Owais She is concerned about Pakistan
@Owais : Do you know what you are talking about ? She is absolutely right. You are being critical because she spoke in favour of a minority so badly persecuted in Pakistan.
First look inwards, then look out.
we support the view point of madam asam she is daring lady and every time she by keeping his life in threat save and come forward for minorities rights. we know there is no room for sect but the words used by son in law of former premier on open forum of parliament can attract to attack over the minority community.
As always, this brave lady has spoken up on the side of truth and justice. And, also as usual, one cannot see our major political personalities lining up in agreement with her. Very sad!
The NA speaker should have intervened. The assembly members should have walked out or booed. This is beyond pathetic.
Well done ma'am you have always stood firm for justice.
Capt Safdar should be disqualified on disciplinary issues. He should apologize Ahmadi Community. Ahmadis are Pakistanis and our own people, our own assets.
I recognize the contribution of Dr. Salam in Physics and for Pakistan.
This speech has shown the Safdar is ineligible to hold Public Office.
I stand to Protect my Pakistani-Ahmadi Community from terror like Safdar.
@on FLIP SIDE - No, he is not ignorant. He is pleasing his constituency. Without the support of his father in law, he would not have uttered this poisonous words. They can do anything to achieve their political and economical goals.
@Logic But True.
Thank You Mam. You are always on the right side of the history. Salute and kudos.
Asma is a hero. Seems Capt has become religious because he is facing trial. Let him be tried for spreading hate. Heartening to note such warm comments from my my Pak sisters and brothers
Capt Safdar , Would you please say something about love, peace, just like Holy Prophet (saw) !!
It is a pleasure to note that Pakistan has voices like Asma Jahangir.
Well done Asma bibi
Asma Jahangir is the only person of courage in Pakistan.
That's why hugely respect asma jhangir salute to her
I am not her fan but in this case she has a valid point. No room for hateful individuals esp if you are part of the government. He should be suspended for this.
@Haroon Rashid Khan One of them will have to grow a tail before that happens!
@mohammad niaz khan .....Sir you have captured it very pecisely.
Asma you are a jewel of a person as you are always in the forefront raising your voice against bigotry, discrimination, injustice and mistreatment of minorities. We really need a person of your caliber to be a member of the parliament. It is very hard to believe that a section of population of country does blindly vote for Capt. Safdar and his like. I find his utterances on the floor of national assembly to be very irresponsible, provocative, antagonizing and mindless. I am further surprised to know that while he was parroting, to please his demigods, this virulent, incendiary and venomous remarks against a law abiding and totally insecure minority, who have no place to go, nobody in the house censured him during and after this extremely offensive outburst. Trust me, the NAB / accountability court's proceedings has clearly impacted and blurred his rational thinking process otherwise you don't expect such remarks from a normal person.
@Irfan_Sydney exactly...
It is mind boggling how people of such mindset are elected to the parliament.
He was under NAB's custody then when he turned up for this speech ?
@M.A. Khatri In the language of logic what you are saying is called false argument. By pointing out that Asma J did not condemn another act you are justifying the absolutely despicable hate speech of Safdar.
Captain is trying to draw back people attention from the recently passed election bill.
I cannot believe a person in 21st century making such non-sense comments.
@ZAK As usual blame outside forces. How about thinking thru what statements you make,
Heartening to see almost all comments in favour of sanity. They said he looked great, but then opened his mouth!' Quite a decent looking person this, but we've heard him now ! All of it inside out !! Sickeningly ignorant of our Great religion, if religion is what he wants to delve in. Small mindedness is the farthest quality that Islam would like to be associated with. This is the petty and EXTREMIST Islamic outlook which still threatens to sink this country. It must be crushed. Will the parliamentary stalwarts taking so much care of this country, stand up and ensure that the mindset that keeps the country gasping for air is dealt with as it should be. We wait for the more righteous and powerful of the parliamentarians as in the honourable Raza Rabbanis and Ayaz Sadiqs to do their worth. Asma Jehnagir was always revered for her stand against religious extremity, but so many have been subsequently disappointed. One has mentioned in this forum of her support for Nawaz. However, despite all reservations that one may have, Asma Jehangir has done it again and is strongly commended. This attempt by Safdar to gain cheap mileage on age-old religious angles should be made to weigh him down and the family which clearly has shown to have very little interest with the interest of Pakistan. Controversial?? Dr. Salaam?? What about Safdar and the Sharifs? !! We are reaping the fruits of their service to the country, the biggest threat being the loans taken by them and which THREATEN the very existence of the country! Minorities, a threat??? And we have this sage in the Parliament ?!!!! But then again, we have all the sages there !!!
Why all this praise ? She was the nominated candidate from PML and PPP for the caretaker government in 2013. This is a case of running with the hare and hunting with the hounds.
I fully endorse Ms asma stance
@Owais it is more important if anything to call out locally since she is more influential there and can actually do something.
@Owais So she appears to be more concerned about putting our own house in order. Is this so bad?
@FC Why do you have to have a disclaimer that you are not her fan? What would hold you back from being sympathetic to human rights movement that sometimes requires to be critical of the wrong actions of the authority?
this guy came back to face court. was arrested on air port and now in parliament talking about ahmedis??
doesn't make sense. must be another tactic to derail SC and JIT verdicts.
how in heaven he suddenly spoke about the community while he should be worried about going to jail for corruption.
Unacceptable. All communities will stand with the Ahmadi community
You should read between the lines. These comments were not directed towards Ahmadies community but towards certain officers of armed forces.
@Inquiring MiND when you 'quote' someone please acknowledge them.
@Muhammad Naeem Memon : "She never spoken for the most inhumanly persecuted Rohingya Muslim"
She is NOT the Myanmar citizen. She is a proud Pakistani and she has every right to speak about Pakistani issues.
@umar - very well said!
@Irfan_Sydney - well said!
Well Said!
A voice of reason in Pakistan and breath of fresh air. Kudos to Asma.
@on FLIP SIDE Completely agree. This speech is at least 2 centuries late and the good captain should introspect his understanding of what makes up a country.
That is a disgraceful behavior from safdar. He must be made to apologize by NS himself.
Those politicians always attempting to divided us, exploiting the difference we have like religion, language, etc. they need to rule us by dividing us. if we are not divided we can ask for our common interest like health, education and many more instead of supporting our school for thought.
Brave Personality....
good reply
@Naveed how do you know it. , you can only be sure about your own motives, not of others. And Asma Jahangir has a lifelong record of taking positions on principles ,not personalities; objectivity has been her record.