The Sindh government has prohibited Maulana Masoodur Rehman from entering the province, a notification issued on Thursday said. This correspondent obtained a copy of the notification that said: In exercise of powers conferred under Section 5(I)(a) & (c) of the Sindh Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, 1960, the government of Sindh has ordered that Maulana Masoodur Rehman will not enter/reside or remain in the province of Sindh. The order will remain in force for 60 days."
Maulana Masoodur Rehman, the notification pointed out, belonged to the defunct Sipah-e-Sahaba, Pakistan (SSP/MIT Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat). It said that the Maulana participated in various religious congregations in Khairpur district and delivered speeches, inciting hatred. "His speeches (and) presence may promote feelings of hatred and ill will among different sects (and religious) schools of thought and thus posing (a) problem of maintenance of law and order." The notification also said that Maulana Masoodur Rehman could challenge the notification by filing an appeal to the government of Sindh.