Special Representative of Prime Minister Imran Khan on Religious Harmony Maulana Tahir Ashrafi and renowned Islamic scholar as well as preacher Maulana Tariq Jameel called on the Sri Lankan High Commissioner (HC) at the country’s high commission in Islamabad on Wednesday, and apologized to him on behalf of the Pakistani nation over the lynching of his compatriot at a factory in Sialkot over ‘blasphemy’ charges, saying Islam does not condone such kind of acts, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashrafi claimed that there were some people in the mob, which kept kicking and punching the Sri Lankan until he breathed his last, who could not even recite the Kalima. “Such was the state of Iman of those individuals who were out to punish the man on that day for the sin he never committed,” he remarked.    

Maulana Tariq Jameel told the Sri Lankan HC that Islam preaches love. Quoting a verse from the holy Quran on the occasion, the renowned preacher said that Allah (The Almighty) has said that one who kills one person, kills the entire humanity.

Maulana Tariq Jameel strongly condemned the killing. “What happened in Sialkot was torture. It was an injustice. The people responsible for the incident will be severely punished,” he promised.

The scholar said that he has been preaching the message of love and peace for over 20 years and will continue to do so till he breathes his last. “Islam is the name of security. Our faith teaches us peace.”

He stressed that killing someone is a sin and no one has the right to burn someone alive. “We have talked to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and apologised to him. We are ashamed.”

Tahir Ashrafi added that Islam doesn’t have space for extremism. “We have decided to take up the financial responsibility of Priyatha’s children. The deceased’s job has been offered to another Sri Lankan national.”

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner has appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and expressed satisfaction over the investigations into the Sialkot incident.

The Punjab police have, so far, arrested 150 people. These included the men who were seen in viral videos from the scene. They have been remanded into police custody.

On December 3, the Sri Lankan national was tortured and beaten to death by a mob of over 800 people over alleged blasphemy accusations. After the brutal murder, his body was dragged to a road and burnt.

Reporter Gohar Mehsud