Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Calls Violence and Destruction ‘Open Fitna,’ Urges Collective Action with Ulema

Lahore:Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has termed the killing of innocent people, destruction of businesses and property, and damage to state and public assets as an “open fitna,” stressing that countering such elements is not only the government’s responsibility but a collective duty of society, especially religious scholars.

Addressing a ceremony for the distribution of honorarium cards among Ulema in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said making Allah’s land difficult for people, shedding innocent blood, and harming businesses, homes, vehicles, and motorcycles clearly constitute fitna. She emphasized that its eradication requires continuous cooperation from Ulema alongside government efforts.

The chief minister said spreading chaos in the name of religion is a grave betrayal of faith. She added that those who were on duty to protect the state and the public were deprived of their livelihoods, lives, and futures, calling such acts the worst form of disorder. She noted that considering fitna as evil is the weakest level of faith, describing it as poison for society and a crime against humanity.

Maryam Nawaz urged Ulema to safeguard their ranks, saying people look towards religion, Allah, and religious leaders in times of hardship. She highlighted that both the Quran and Hadith strongly condemn disorder and corruption. She reaffirmed that regardless of who commits oppression or chaos, it is the state’s duty to bring perpetrators to justice and provide relief to victims.

She assured that the state would fulfill its responsibilities with full force, hold perpetrators accountable for the blood of martyrs, and ensure the protection of people’s lives and property at all costs.

### Emphasis on Law and Order and Zero Tolerance

The Punjab chief minister said significant progress has been made in curbing gun culture, theft, crimes against women and children, and daylight killings. She thanked Allah for the improvement in the law and order situation, enabling citizens to live peacefully.

She reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of fitna, declaring that Punjab’s land has been made inhospitable for criminals, oppressors, and mafias. She said regardless of the disguise, no fitna should escape the law, adding that Ulema’s cooperation is crucial in this regard.

### Role of Ulema and Respect for Law

Maryam Nawaz highlighted the influential role of Ulema in social reform, saying people respect them, listen to them, and follow them. She urged scholars to promote not only prayers, Quranic teachings, and religious values but also respect for the law.

She stressed that serving and protecting the country is not solely the government’s responsibility but that of every citizen. She called for respect for law enforcement agencies, acknowledging their sacrifices for public safety.

Addressing stricter enforcement of traffic laws, she admitted the measures may be unpopular but clarified they are meant to save lives, not generate revenue. She said wearing helmets, obeying traffic rules, and preventing underage driving are about protecting sons, brothers, and fathers, not issuing fines.

### Social Responsibility and Anti-Encroachment Drive

Maryam Nawaz appealed to the public to respect laws, traffic rules, and moral values, and to stay away from drugs, illegal land grabbing, rights violations, and oppression. She said while the government cannot reach everywhere, the voice of Ulema can, making their role vital in addressing social issues.

She condemned illegal occupation of homes and shops, calling it a shameful act, and sought public and Ulema support to counter encroachment mafias and build a strong, dignified society.

Concluding her address, the chief minister said the honorarium card initiative is just the beginning and pledged to further expand such efforts. She prayed for peace, security, dignity, and unity in the country, ending her speech with “Pakistan Zindabad.”