Khadim Hussain Rizvi image on religious event banner leads to terrorism case

FAISALABAD: Police have registered a case under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act against the organizer of a religious gathering in Faisalabad over allegations that the event was held without official permission and its promotional banner displayed an image of former Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi.

FAISALABAD: Police have registered a case under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act against the organizer of a religious gathering in Faisalabad over allegations that the event was held without official permission and its promotional banner displayed an image of former Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi.

According to the reported First Information Report (FIR), the religious gathering was held in Madina Town and continued from around 9pm until midnight. Police alleged that the organizer had not obtained the required permission from the local administration to hold the event.

The FIR further alleges that a promotional flex displayed at the gathering carried an image of Khadim Hussain Rizvi. Police have registered the case under Section 11W of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Under Section 11W, the law covers the printing, publishing or dissemination of material through various means, including visible signs, where it gives projection to a proscribed organization or a person or organization covered by the provision. The law provides for imprisonment of up to five years and a fine upon conviction.

The FIR states that police considered the display of the image an indication of alleged links with the proscribed organization. It also names a printer identified as Shabab, who police allege prepared the promotional flex.

Police said the banner has been taken into custody and made part of the official investigation record. The organizer has also been detained in connection with the case, according to investigating officer Inspector Shaukat Ali.

The case comes amid restrictions surrounding organizations that have been officially proscribed by the government. Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act contains provisions dealing with membership, support and activities associated with proscribed organizations.

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the religious gathering, including the alleged lack of permission and the content displayed on its promotional material.

The allegations contained in the FIR have yet to be tested in court and the registration of a case does not by itself establish guilt. Further legal proceedings will determine whether the prosecution can establish the allegations against the event organizer.