Chakdara press club urges Pak Chief Justice to ban footballs inscribed with ‘Allah’

ISLAMABAD - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chakdara Press Club has appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, to take suo muto action against a manufacturing company of Sialkot for manufacturing footballs inscribed with names of Allah.

In a written statement, Chakdara Press Club President Shah Faisal, General Secretary Muhammad Jalil and President Dir Union of journalists Muhammad Israr said a well-known company of Sialkot had produced a football, reportedly approved by FIFA, that had certain names of Allah Almighty.

“These balls are being kicked up by people not only in grounds but also in streets. We think it against our Islamic teachings and there might be some hidden agenda,” The Nation quoted them, as saying in the statement.

The item had been sold in open market at a large scale, they said, adding that they had approached a local court to ban its selling, but the judge said it was beyond his jurisdiction, and they should appeal to high-ups.

“People of the area especially religious organisations have expressed their anger over the matter and it could infuriate them further,” the statement said.

It said the government should ban all shopping bags, sporting items and other things of daily use inscribed with names of Allah or His prophets.

The journalists also demanded of the chief justice and the concerned ministry to order probe into the production and ban its sale in the market. (ANI)