Malir SSP ordered to take action to halt desecration of graves at Gadap graveyard

A sessions court on Friday ordered Malir’s senior superintendent of police (SSP) to take immediate and effective action to halt the desecration and destruction of graves at a graveyard in Gadap Town.

The order came on an application filed by Ahmed Bux Morio under Section 22-A of the Criminal Procedure Code seeking legal action against seven proposed accused for allegedly desecrating Pir-e-Had Graveyard.

After hearing arguments, Additional Sessions Judge (Malir) Liaqat Ali Khoso ordered the SSP to ensure the protection, preservation, and restoration of the sanctity of the graveyard. He directed the Gadap City SHO to record the statement of the applicant under Section 154 of the CrPC and lodge an FIR in the exact words of the complainant if a cognizable offence was made out.

In his written order, the judge observed: "Under Islamic principles, the sanctity and dignity of a human being are to be respected both in life and in death." "The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly prohibits even sitting on graves, let alone damaging or demolishing them for commercial convenience. Any act of trampling upon or degrading graves by making pathways for heavy vehicles is not only reprehensible but also a matter of religious, moral, and legal concern," he added.

The applicant alleged that the proposed accused were willfully desecrating and damaging the Pir-e-Had graveyard situated in Gadap Town, Malir, Karachi, where approximately 1,500 to 2,000 deceased persons are buried.

He said that they had unlawfully created a thoroughfare through the graveyard to facilitate movement of heavy vehicles, such as dumpers and loaders, despite having no legal or designated access.

The applicant claimed that despite repeated entreaties by him and local residents, the proposed accused had not ceased their actions and continued to desecrate the graves. Instead, he added, they had issued him threats of serious consequences.