Fatwa issued against voting for non-Muslim candidates ahead of general polls in Pakistan, triggers concerns among minorities

A fatwa — a legal ruling by Islamic scholars — issued by a Karachi-based seminary earlier in the day, regarding minority candidates resurfaced on Facebook and X platforms suggesting voters prefer Muslim candidates over the ones belonging to minorities, reported The News International.

Jamia Uloom Islamia, New Town, famously known as Jamia Binori Town, reportedly issued the Fatwa.

The religious school is considered as an influential seminary of the country.

Chaman Lal, a minority rights activist, shared an image of the undated decree on Facebook stating: "A Fatwa is issued that, it is permissible to take votes from the population of more than one million minorities, but Today a fatwa has been issued that it is not permissible to vote for minority candidates in the general election."

The fatwa in question was issued after a query: "Is it permitted under Islamic laws to vote for a non-Muslim candidate?"

In response, the fatwa said: "The vote should be given to a candidate who has the required qualifications and ability, his party manifesto must also be correct and about whom there's satisfaction that he can take better steps for the people of their constituency, religiously and secularly. And because the non-Muslim candidate does not live up to these standards; it is better to vote for a Muslim candidate."

Commenting on the matter, Chaman Lal was quoted as saying by The News International: "When the constitution has given equal rights then those people who have worked for the betterment of their area and are willing to work more for the people of Pakistan, then why shouldn't people cast their votes in favour of them even if they belong to minorities?"

"The world is running after technology while Pakistan is still stuck in religious issues — which is no doubt important but it is a personal matter. When it comes to the state then good candidates should come forward even if they belong to a minority community," he added.