Pakistan's Supreme Court Calms Religious Sentiments by Modifying Judgment

Pakistan's Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, modified its judgment in a case involving an Ahmadiyya minority man, removing controversial content to calm religious sentiments. The decision followed backlash from religious groups and a request by the Punjab government for corrections. The modified judgment was welcomed by religious leaders.

On Thursday, Pakistan's Supreme Court moved to ease religious tensions by altering a previous judgment involving an Ahmadiyya minority man. The court removed controversial portions from its ruling, which had addressed the right of the Ahmadiyya community to preach their religion.

A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa proceeded to expunge paragraphs involving the Ahmadiyya's banned book and proselytisation activities, following a malicious campaign against the chief justice and protests from religious bodies. The court accepted a review plea from the Punjab government, emphasizing that religious freedom is subject to law, morality, and public order.

The decision drew mixed reactions, with religious leaders expressing approval and planning a 'Day of Thanks'. The government's security measures around key offices reflected the high tensions, underscoring the influence of religious groups on judicial outcomes in Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)