Ulema say issue should be over with Geo apology

KARACHI: The prominent Ulema of Pakistan, over the inadvertent mistake in the Geo morning show, said it hurts the religious sentiments of the people, however, an immediate apology from the anchorperson and the Geo channel should resolve the issue and the matter should not be exploited.

While talking to Geo News, Mufti Muhammad Naeem said that even Allah Almighty forgives those who seek pardon after committing a mistake, and in such a situation people have no right to scheme a propaganda out of it.

Allama Tahir Ashrafi demanded inquiry into the matter. Allama Nazir Abbas Taqvi said there was no point in issuing fatwas if Geo was ready to apologise on the matter. Urging the critics to avoid negativity, he said some forces wanted to use the incident to trigger a sectarian strife in the country.

Allama Kaukab Noorani Okarvi described it as a serious mistake but praised the swift remedial action and an immediate apology by the anchor and the channel. He said there was no justification for using the issue as a propaganda tool to malign the organization.

Allama Razi Jafar, speaking to Geo, said that utmost care should have been taken while conducting the programme. However, he added, spreading an evil is in itself an evil, and other channels should also take care of it.

He praised the anchorperson for seeking an apology and said other TV channels must avoid blowing the matter out of proportion as the Quran says that spreading evil is equally evil.

Allama Shabbir Maismi called for moving forward after a formal apology by Geo and asked all the TV channels to form a board comprising religious scholars so that the content hurting feelings of any school of thought could be avoided.

Allama Faisal Azizi said the apology over inadvertent mistake should be accepted and raising the issue after apology was not appropriate.

Mufti Abid Mubarak said mistake was committed in the programme, however, he praised an immediate apology from the Geo management.

Professor Sajid Mir said Geo management should take action against the staff responsible for the matter.

Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees leader Hafiz Abdul Kareem said the country could not bear further anarchy, therefore, it was inappropriate to prolong the matter after apology.

Chief coordinator Jamia Islamia Lahore said it was wrong to be insolent towards a person who extends apology. Islam dislikes anarchy and provocation, he added.

Source: The News Pakistan