NAP registered 1,373 cases, 2,566 held for hate speech

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) have registered 1,373 cases regarding hate speech and publishing hate material while 2,566 persons were arrested under National Action Plan (NAP).

Around 18,790 cases have been registered pertaining to misuse of loudspeakers, 19,530 persons arrested and 7479 pieces of equipment were confiscated. Strict action is taken against literature, newspapers and magazines, promoting hatred, extremism, sectarianism and intolerance.

National Action Plan Review – December 2017 issued by National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on Monday revealed that at-least 70 shops have also been sealed. The Review said there is now visible improvement in action against hate speech.

It said terrorism and extremism was a direct result of rampant and unrestrained expression, publication and promotion of extremist ideas and intolerance as part of mainstream discourse. Due to this phenomenon, sectarian violence became a mainstay of society since the late 1980s.

The menace of sectarianism became more pronounced as a result of War on Terror and Pakistanis were attacked wherever they were perceived to be weak: whether it be at places of worship, or congregations, public/political rallies or even schools and colleges.

This trend of uncontrolled expression of ideas including publication of thoughts and sentiments which clearly reflected and promoted sectarianism, intolerance, religious extremism, and hatred for other groups continued well in to the 21st century.  Some religious groups targeted minorities and other segments of society in their attempts to renew their relevance to a modern Pakistan.

As the mosque became the focal point of social congress, the worship houses of some sects in certain areas eschewed the message of peace, tolerance and brotherhood which is the cornerstone of Islam.