20000214

Islamic provisions of Constitution intact: Kazmi

ISLAMABAD: Former member Council of Islamic Ideology and Chairman Markazi Ulema Mashaikh Council Sahibzada Syed Younas Shah Kazmi has said the Islamic provisions of the Constitution are intact and the demand for revival of Islamic provisions are irrelevant.

In a statement on Sunday he said the existence of Federal Shariat Court and the Council of Islamic Ideology proves that the Islamic provisions hold the field and the propaganda in this regard is baseless and uncalled for.

He said Article 203-C of the Constitution relates to the Federal Shariat Court, which is functioning independently.

He said the Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) 1999 promulgated by Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf also clearly said that all the courts including the Federal Shariat Court would keep on functioning.

Kazmi said Articles 227 to 231 of the Constitution are called "Islamic provisions" adding that they provide for supremacy of Quran and Sunnah, setting up of Council of Islamic Ideology and its objectives.

He said the existence of the Council for Islamic Ideology proves that the Islamic provisions are intact and the demands for restoration by some circles is meaningless.

He said certain elements want to create confusion to achieve their ulterior motives. He said they should channelise their energies in a positive way for stability of Pakistan and condemnation of those involved in loot and plunder.ÑPPI