Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf Calls PTI Slogan ‘Un-Islamic’

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has strongly objected to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) political slogan, saying that declaring a political leader as the one who can “save Pakistan” is religiously inappropriate.

Speaking on journalist Gharidah Farooqi’s programme, the federal minister referred to the PTI slogan, “Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan, Khan, Khan,” and described it as incorrect and contrary to Islamic teachings.

Sardar Yousaf said that, according to Islamic belief, only Allah Almighty has the power to save a country or deliver people from difficulties.

He said political affiliations and affection for political leaders were a separate matter, but slogans should not cross limits that conflict with religious beliefs.

The minister maintained that Pakistan, as a country created by the grace of God, could not be saved by any individual, adding that only Allah Almighty and His special help could provide protection and deliverance.

Sardar Yousaf Says No Force Can Stop Hazara Province

Separately, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Hazara Province Movement Chairman Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, addressing a large Hazara Province Convention in Haripur, said no force could now prevent Hazara from becoming a separate province.

Speaking at the convention hosted by Senator Talha Mahmood, he claimed that both the political and military leadership had supported the creation of new provinces.

Sardar Yousaf also claimed that the Field Marshal had expressed support for the creation of new provinces during a meeting with traders in Karachi.

He said the large turnout of people from Haripur at the convention was effectively a referendum in favour of the Hazara province.

According to Sardar Yousaf, the Hazara Province Movement was the strongest of all such movements and its case was fully prepared.

He said the demand for Hazara province was being made purely on administrative grounds and argued that there should be no disagreement over its creation.

The federal minister called for an end to further delays in the matter and said the issue should now be taken forward.