Burney asks British govt to ban Rehman's entry into country
Leading rights activist Ansar Burney has asked the British government not to allow the entry of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman into that country due to his "nefarious and extremist political background and known links with the Pakistani Taliban".
Mr Burney, who also heads the Britain-based law firm Burney Legal Solicitors, has sent legal representations to home secretary Theresa May "demanding the curtailment of any permission granted" to Mr Rehman to enter Britain.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Burney said he had acted in the "greater interest of social harmony" and requested the British authorities to ban Mr Rehman from "ever entering the country".
In his legal representation, Mr Burney referred to the "notorious statement and actions" of Mr Rehman in "stirring anti-west sentiments in Pakistan and promoting religious extremism in the remote parts" of Pakistan.
He also "expressed trepidation that (Rehman) will spread similar hatred and promote terrorism in the UK if granted entry".
Mr Burney said Mr Rehman's entry to Britain is "being challenged by Mr Burney Legal Solicitors under UK law and policy whereby an individual, even if holding valid permission (visa) to enter the UK, may have their entry barred and returned to their country of origin if they are believed to be a threat to national security, public order or the safety of citizens; or if it is believed they glorify terrorism, promote violence and encourage other serious crime".
The move came ahead of Mr Rehman's scheduled arrival in Britain on Tuesday. He is scheduled to attend an event in the House of Commons on November 25.
Mr Burney said if the British government failed to act, his legal firm will take the matter to the high court.
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