As Pakistan approaches the general elections, scheduled for February 8, 2024, a contentious and hateful document targeting religious minorities has appeared on social media platforms.
An alleged fatwa—edict by Islamic experts— was issued by a Karachi-based seminary in the past regarding minority candidates has resurfaced on social media platforms including Facebook and 'X', formerly known as Twitter. It implies that candidates who do not follow Islam are less preferable to Muslim candidates since elected representatives are required to cater to worldly and spiritual health of constituents.
The fatwa was issued by Jamia Uloom Islamia, New Town, also known as Jamia Binori Town, which lies near the Guru Mandir area.
The religious school is regarded as one of the most significant seminaries in the city.
A few minority rights activists posted an image of the fatwa on social media, adding, "A fatwa has been issued that it is not permissible to vote for minority candidates in the election."
It is pertinent to mention here that the fatwa being disseminated on social media was issued five years ago, in the 2018 general elections, when the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) handed a ticket to its candidate Hari Ram Kishori Lal from PS-47 (Mirpurkhas-I), which he won.