No plan to amend blasphemy laws, recognise Israel: minister.

Byline: Kalbe Ali

ISLAMABAD -- Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noorul Haq Qadri on Wednesday lashed out at the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for accusing the government of conspiring to soften blasphemy laws and recognise Israel.

'Nobody should consider himself a better Muslim. If the maulana has studied Quran and Sunnah in madressah, I have not been learning 'Granth' in the madressah,' Mr Qadri said adding, 'How can you say that you are a better Muslim than me?'

Addressing a press conference here, the minister criticised the JUI-F leadership for manipulating politics for his 'vested interest'.

'Using a religious card for political gain is not the right thing to do,' the minister deplored. He said the JUI-F leaders were repeatedly accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan of conspiring to recognise Israel and softening the blasphemy laws.

'Since the sit-in organisers have no serious political issues, they are hurling baseless accusation on the government. I will request Fazalur Rehman sahib at least not to politicise Namoos-i-Risalat,' the minister said.

Pir Noorul Qadri made it clear that the government had no plan to amend the blasphemy laws.

'We all and the prime minister are faithful believers of Islam and believe in utmost respect and affection for the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, that is why we are all striving for Riasat-i-Madina (state of Madina).

He said...