Inauthentic Quran translation: LHC annoyed at delaying tactics in contempt case

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday adjourned for Tuesday a contempt petition regarding the non-implementation of a 2019 verdict requiring government action against culprits involved in publication of tampered and inauthentic translation of the Holy Quran, due to unavailability of caretaker prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Justice Shujaat Ali Khan expressed displeasure over government’s delaying attitude over the matter. He asked the law officers of the

federal and Punjab governments whether the prime minister and the chief minister would personally appear before the court or submit their policy statement in writing on the matter. Both the law officers told the court that the caretaker PM was on a visit to China while the caretaker CM was in Islamabad and could not be contacted to seek their opinions.

In the judgement passed in 2019, the LHC had ordered the government to ensure that copies of the Holy Quran were duly approved by the Quran Board before the publication in press and uploading on the internet. The court also directed the Quran Board and the government to have a vigilant eye on publication and printing of any religious material, in particular Quran against its original text or authentic meaning.

Advocate General Punjab said a joint committee comprising federal and provincial officials had been formed to implement the court’s order. However, the judge observed that the government was doing nothing except wasting time. He observed that the caretaker chief minister was interested in inaugurating roads and development projects only.

Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar told the court that a liaison had been established among the FIA and other law enforcement agencies for the implantation of the judgement.

The petitioner said despite repeated applications to the home department and police no action was taken against the suspects in light of the judgement, which amount to violation of the law and the court’s decision.