Naat inclusion for Pak Assembly criticised

After Pakistan’s National Assembly approved addition of “naat” — poetry praising Prophet Mohammed — at the beginning of the House proceedings after the recitation of Quranic verses, a leading newspaper criticised the decision and warned that such tendency “to mix religion with the running of the state” has led to the disintegration of the state.

The Nation hit out at the legislators for not protecting religious freedom and minorities instead.“Instead of passing amendments on naat khwani, should the MNA’s not be passing legislation to promote religious freedom and protection to those who dare to belong from a different belief than what the state imposes on them

“There are laws and bills that already relate to religious issue that need to be amended, including the blasphemy law and the Hindu Marriage Act,” the Nation wrote in its editorial on Thursday.

Earlier, the legislators from both sides of the aisle appreciated the step. Some legislators also proposed to include “Hadith” (sayings of Prophet Mohammed) in the proceeding of the Assembly.

A suggestion was also floated to form a parliamentary committee for the selection of “naat”, which will be recited in the Lower House.

The amendment on “naat” was moved by legislators from Mohammed Safdar and Syed Imran Ahmad Shah.

“The amendment to include “naat” in the proceeding of the House is a good step,” said Mohammed Safdar, speaking on amendment accepted from the House unanimously. “It is great honour for the House to adopt this amendment in the holy month of Rabiul Awwal,” he added.

Syed Imran Ahmad Shah congratulated the House for the amendment. “It is a good step to make it permanent part of Assembly proceedings,” said Mr Shah, adding that now this will become part of proceedings forever.

Maulana Mohammed Khan Sheerani from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal) appreciated the amendment to include “naat”.

“It will also be good to include Hadith a part of proceeding,” he said, adding that the suggestion to constitute a committee regarding selection of “naat” should also be seriously contemplated.

He further said that the recommendation of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) should not be delayed to lay before the House.

The amendment in rule 48,69,112 of the rules and procedure says in the Assembly the words “the Holy Quran” and “Comma” the word “Naat” shall be inserted.