Arrest of Islamist Party Deputy Chief for Inciting Violence Against Chief Justice

Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah, the deputy chief of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, was arrested after inciting violence against Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa. Shah offered a reward for the Chief Justice's beheading following a bail decision in a blasphemy case involving an Ahmadi suspect, leading to widespread condemnation and legal action.

Pir Zaheerul Hasan Shah, the deputy chief of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), was apprehended on Monday. He had been inciting violence against Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, due to the latter's decision to grant bail to a blasphemy suspect from the Ahmadi community.

According to sources, Shah, who had gone into hiding in Okara, was arrested following the filing of an FIR against him for advocating violence during a protest outside the Lahore Press Club. He had offered a reward of 10 million rupees for anyone who beheads Justice Isa.

The FIR, lodged in Lahore's Qila Gujjar Singh police station, includes charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act and other sections related to inciting religious hatred and intimidating the judiciary. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif condemned Shah's inflammatory remarks and stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law.

(With inputs from agencies.)