Lawyer Muneeb Qadir Speaks Out Against Mob Lynching in Pakistan

Islamabad, June 23: Muneeb Qadir, a lawyer and academic, has called the rise in mob lynching cases in Pakistan a ‘dangerous mentality’ that believes killing is the only way to ensure justice. He made these remarks at his book launch event on Friday.

Book Launch Event

Qadir’s book, titled ‘Paying The Price: Exploring Religious Extremism, Misogyny, Transphobia & Class Apartheid in Present-Day Pakistan,’ addresses these issues. He cited an incident in Swat where a mob tortured a man, believing his death was the only way to ensure justice.

Incident in Sialkot

Qadir also referred to the mob lynching of Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana in Sialkot, Punjab Province, in December 2021. He described how hundreds of people were involved, tearing down the victim’s clothes, burning him alive, and taking selfies with the burning body.

Religious Freedom Concerns

Qadir questioned why Pakistan is concerned about its low ranking in the religious freedom index when such incidents occur. He mentioned baseless police raids on Ahmadiyya Muslims during Eid and similar actions against the Christian community in Sargodha.

Widespread Issue

Qadir highlighted that for every non-violent person, there are 400 people ready to commit violence. He questioned whether the government or the mob is responsible for this dangerous trend, warning that even the administration could become a target.