Inspired by ‘Blasphemy Killer,’ New Pakistani Party Aims for 2018 Elections

By Asif Shahzad

LAHORE, Pakistan – The leader of a newly formed Pakistani Islamist party that venerates the assassin of a provincial governor declared that the group would take its message of "death to blasphemers" into next year’s general election following a surprisingly strong performance in a recent by-election.

The Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan party garnered over 7,000 votes in a weekend by-election and emerged from a protest movement supporting Mumtaz Qadri, a bodyguard who killed Punjab Governor Salman Taseer in 2011 over the governor’s push to reform stringent blasphemy laws.

At campaign rallies in Lahore, supporters of Tehrik-e-Labaik displayed images of Qadri, who became a symbol for hardline Muslims after his execution last year. The party managed to secure 6 percent of the votes in the contest for the parliamentary seat previously held by ousted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the party’s leader, hailed Qadri as a hero and stated that their preparations for the upcoming election would begin immediately, promising a bold contest. Despite their unlikely chances of attaining power, the party represents a new wave of political movements advocating stricter Islamic governance as a solution to widespread corruption and the infighting among Pakistan’s primary political factions.

An increase in support for Islamist groups could enhance their influence in the forthcoming hard-fought elections, particularly after the Supreme Court disqualified Sharif from office.

In an interview, Rizvi articulated his vision for governance inspired by the Barelvi interpretation of Islam. He claimed that adherence to sharia law could swiftly eradicate corruption issues. He emphasized that implementing sharia should not invoke fear among the populace.

Rizvi noted that such changes would affect daily life, citing an example where women would be barred from serving as airline flight attendants.

While Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan’s platform includes provisions for educational and healthcare access and social justice, it is predominantly recognized for its fervent support of Qadri and its advocacy for keeping Pakistan’s blasphemy laws among the most severe globally. Reports indicate that numerous individuals convicted of blasphemy sit on death row, and more than 65 people have been killed in connection to blasphemy allegations since 1990.

One of the most notable cases involved Governor Taseer, who sought to revisit the blasphemy laws after a Christian woman received a death sentence. Following Qadri’s sentencing for the assassination, he received considerable support from Islamist groups, culminating in a massive funeral turnout condemning the government for his execution.

Tehrik-e-Labaik originally started as a movement to secure Qadri’s release but transformed into a political entity post-execution. Rizvi insisted Qadri will remain a hero indefinitely.

When questioned about the potential obligation of Muslims to kill blasphemers, Rizvi maintained there were laws to address such matters but justified Qadri’s actions, asserting that police neglected to charge Taseer for his remarks against blasphemy law.

The party’s surprising performance in the recent Lahore by-election saw them capturing attention; although the parliamentary seat was won by Sharif’s wife, the ruling party’s voter share declined significantly from previous elections.

While religious parties have traditionally not secured numerous seats in Pakistan’s legislature, an increase in support from ultra-religious factions could siphon votes away from mainstream parties, granting Islamists more sway in policy discussions.

Rizvi reiterated his ultimate aim: to establish a strict interpretation of Islam within law. "We want to bring the religion of Islam to the throne," he affirmed.