Anti-takfiri Lal Masjid activist being painted as non-Muslim in social media

The standoff between civil society and Pakistan government’s Lal Masjid Deobandi-takfiri cleric Abdul Aziz has taken another alarming turn. Following threats from takfiri Deobandi militant groups, organisers of the protests are now being targeted by a social media campaign that could endanger their lives.

Mohammad Jibran Nasir, the Karachi-based lawyer and rights activist who has been at the forefront of the movement that aims to ‘reclaim Lal Masjid’, is being called a non-Muslim and an Ahmadi (Qadiani). Posts on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook featuring photos of Jibran participating in Holi celebrations are being used as ‘proof’ of his anti-Muslim allegiances.

However, the defiant Mr Nasir stands firm. In a message sent from his Twitter account, he responded to the allegations, saying, “I own my allegiance to human rights. Sunni, Shia Muslim, Ahmadi, [Christian], Hindu, Parsi… whoever, I will continue to advocate human rights for all. (sic)”

Organisers of protests against Lal Masjid, who are expected to meet a member of the federal cabinet to press for their demands, are considering holding a press conference to respond to these allegations.