Hateful and disturbing content targeting religious minorities has started circulating in Pakistan, raising concerns ahead of the February 8 general elections, The News International reported.

In this regard, a fatwa — legal ruling by Islamic scholars — issued by a Karachi-based seminary has resurfaced on Facebook and X platforms, suggesting voters prefer Muslim candidates over the ones belonging to minorities.

The fatwa was issued by Jamia Uloom Islamia, New Town, famously known as Jamia Binori Town, which is located near the Guru Mandir area, The News International reported.

The religious school is considered one of the most influential seminaries in the city.

Chaman Lal, a minority rights activist, shared an image of the undated decree on Facebook stating: “A Fatwa is issued that, it is permissible to take votes from the population of more than one million minorities, but today a fatwa has been issued that it is not permissible to vote for minority candidates in the general election.”

The Fatwa was released after the query: “Is it permitted under Islamic laws to vote for a non-Muslim candidate?”

The query further added that a major political party had nominated a Hindu for the general seat in the presence of a better Muslim candidate even though there were reserved seats for non-Muslims.

“The public wants to know whether voting for a non-Muslim in this situation is permissible or not from the Islamic point of view, or is there a third option?” he said.

In response, the fatwa said: “The vote should be given to a candidate who has the required qualifications and ability, his party manifesto must also be correct and about whom there’s satisfaction that he can take better steps for the people of their constituency, religiously and secularly. And because the non-Muslim candidate does not live up to these standards; it is better to vote for a Muslim candidate”, The News International reported.

Commenting on the matter, Chaman Lal lamented: “When the constitution has given equal rights then those people who have worked for the betterment of their area and are willing to work more for the people of Pakistan, then why shouldn’t people cast their votes in favour of them even if they belong to minorities?”

“The world is running after technology while Pakistan is still stuck in religious issues — which is no doubt important but it is a personal matter. When it comes to the state then good candidates should come forward even if they belong to a minority community,” The News International quoted him as saying.