ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information during Monday session informed National Assembly that Pakistan newspapers are violating the law by publishing Quranic verses and translations.
The ministry termed this as an act of offense related to “defiling of Holy Quran”.
MQM Sheikh Salahuddin’ raised the question regarding the publication of verses by daily newspapers.
The MNA asked following questions:
Whether publication of Quranic verses in daily newspapers causes desecration of the Holy Quran?
If so, what are the steps being taken by the government in this regard?
“It is true that newspapers are publishing verses and translation of the Holy Quran for information and education of their readers. This is highly deplorable and a violation of an existing law,” the ministry said in a written reply.
The ministry added that Section 295-B of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) stipulates life imprisonment for an offender who willfully defiles a copy or portion of the Holy Quran.
“Whoever willfully defiles damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy Quran or of extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for any unlawful purpose shall be punishable with imprisonment for life.” — Section 295-B, Pakistan Penal Code.
As per Dawn.com report, The Press Information Department (PID) on the request of Ministry of Religious Affairs had written a letter to the President of All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) and Chairman Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), requesting them to ensure observance of reverence of the verses of Holy Quran, the NA was informed.
“PID also sent a reminder, requesting all concerned media representative bodies to instruct all their member publications to avoid publication of sacred materials and to observe and preserve sanctity of the Holy texts in the newspapers,” the ministry said.
Shukar Alhamdulilah…waited since long..somebody spoke…i ve seen how people throw news paper in garbage and on street astaghfirullah and parathy wala or roti wala wrap up the rotties..may Allah guide us and forgive us Ameem
