Khan vows to prevent repeat of Sialkot lynching as long as he is alive

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday (7) categorically said that the government will not spare those who resort to violence in the name of Islam or the Holy Prophet.

The premier made the comments while addressing a condolence reference for Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara, who was lynched to death by a mob in Sialkot last week, at the Prime Minister's Office in Islamabad.

Members of the federal cabinet also attended the event, which was held in solidarity with Kumara's family and the Sri Lankan nation and government.

In addition, a certificate of appreciation was also awarded to Malik Adnan — Kumara's colleague who had tried to save his life. PM Imran had taken notice of the brave attempt and lauded Adnan's "moral courage and bravery" on Sunday. He had also announced that Adnan would be honoured with the Tamgha-i-Shujaat.

Addressing the sombre event, the premier lauded Adnan's bravery and said that it was heartening to see that a person tried to save another by risking his own life.

"Role models are important in the country because people follow them," he said, adding that "moral power is greater than physical power".

"I am sure our youth will remember the way Malik Adnan stood up against those beasts," he said.

PM Imran said that the business community in Sialkot had informed him that they had collected $0.1 million for Kumara and that his family would continue to receive his monthly salary.

At the end of his speech, the premier reiterated: "As long as I am alive, I will not allow incidents like the Sialkot lynching one to happen again."