PAKISTAN: CIVIL SOCIETY, MEDIA ASKED TO HELP REPEAL BLASPHEMY LAW

"In April 2001 an attempt was made by the Musharraf government to amend the procedures in the registration of blasphemy cases, but he quickly withdrew the new order upon vehement opposition from Islamic fundamentalists." Asian Human Rights Commission

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Pakistan Desk
Source & Credit: Dawn.Com |
By Dawn Reporter | December 10, 2009

ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: The former information minister and MNA Sherry Rehman on Wednesday offered to take the issue of repealing the blasphemy law to the Parliament but said she needs full and active support from the civil society and media.

However, she cautioned the civil society activists that they should not expect very strong support from the parliamentarians for repealing the law.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the commission on the Status of Women to commemorate the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, Sherry Rehman suggested to the commission to organise at least one or two days sensitisation workshop for the media representatives and educate them about the issues being faced by minority citizens and its implications on women in particular.

The Chairman of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, I. A. Rehman while speaking on the occasion said that the blasphemy law was against the basic norms of Islam as it was being used against other religions. He called for complete repeal of the law.

The Chairman of Council for Islamic Ideology Dr Khalid Masood advised the civil society to be realistic in their struggle and demand, and urged them to set such targets which are achievable. They should not take absolute position on very sensitive issues.

“Together with media they should go to the masses and convey to them that nothing was being dictated by external people”.

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