Fatwa by ex-JI leader puts journalists in danger

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 10 April 2019

A fatwa issued by Taj Mohammad Wazeer, a former JI leader, threatens the lives of journalists in Wana. The IFJ and PFUJ have condemned the ruling and demanded government action.

Summary

A former leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) issued a fatwa on April 8, promoting the killing of journalists in Pakistan.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have condemned the fatwa and called on the Pakistan government to take immediate steps to guarantee the safety of the media.

Taj Mohammad Wazeer, the former leader of JI and member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, announced at a political rally attended by hundreds of people in South Warizistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to reports, Taj declared the fatwa at the protest saying: “The media has not come to cover this protest because it is against the government and the army. Snatch the cameras, mobiles and all other devices from them and declare jihad against them.”

He went on to say that he ordered journalists in Wana to be killed and that he would take responsibility for this action.

A fatwa is a ruling on the point of Islamic law, usually given by a recognized authority.

PFUJ have shown extreme concern regarding these threats against the journalists of Wana. They have asked the government to take immediate action against these threats and also asked the JI’s leadership to take immediate notice and act against these threats given by a senior member of their party.

PFUJ leaders said that JI would be held responsible if any journalist is hurt or killed due to this fatwa.

JI stated to the media that the current JI leader Sirajul Haq is planning to visit the press club in Wana to investigate this issue.

The IFJ said: “This fatwa is an outrageous attack on the safety of Pakistan’s media and those working in the increasingly volatile area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. IFJ figures show that Pakistan’s media remains under threat with journalists killed, abducted, attacked and threatened all too often. We demand immediate action from the Pakistan government to ensure the safety of the media and the culture of impunity for threats and attacks on the media in Pakistan.”

IFJ figures show that Pakistan remains one of the deadliest countries in the world, with 17 journalists and media workers killed since 2015. – IFJ media rele