Pakistan: Sunni Ittehad Council protest against the Blasphemy Law

The blasphemy laws are part of a system which fosters injustice, sectarian violence, and violence between religions. The usual victims are Shia, Ahmadiyya, Christians, and Hindus.

Activists of Sunni Ittehad Council burn effigies of Governor Punjab
Sulman Taseer and Shery Rehman during a protest against
proposed amendments in the Blasphemy Law at Hyder Chowk.
Hyderabad, Pakistan. (Photo Demotix)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Demotix | Media Summary
By Yasir Rajput | December 31, 2010

Chairman Sunni Ittehad Council Sahibzada Haji Fazal Karim has said the government should clear its position on the issue of blasphemy law.

Addressing ‘Tahafuz Namoos-e-Risalat Convention’ here on Monday, Fazal Karim said if the government would not clear its position they would launch a countrywide movement for their demands. He said the government wanted to repeal the blasphemy law just to please America, Europe and Israel.

Among Muslim-majority countries, Pakistan has the strictest anti-blasphemy laws. § 295-A of Pakistan's Penal Code forbids outraging religious feelings. § 295-B punishes defilement of the Quran with life imprisonment. § 295-C prescribes the death penalty or the death penalty with a fine for the "use of derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet." § 298-B and § 298-C prohibit the Ahmadiyya from proselytizing or from behaving in any manner as Muslims.


The blasphemy laws are part of a system which fosters injustice, sectarian violence, and violence between religions. The usual victims are Shia, Ahmadiyya, Christians, and Hindus. Persons accused of blasphemy as well as police, lawyers, and judges are often subject to harassment, threats, attacks and murders when blasphemy is the issue.

In November 2008, Pakistan's government appointed Shahbaz Bhatti as Federal Minister for Minorities, and gave him cabinet rank. Bhatti has promised that the Asif Ali Zardari government will review Pakistan's blasphemy laws.

Pakistan has been an active supporter of the campaign by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to create global laws against blasphemy.

Activists of Sunni Ittehad Council burn effigies of Governor Punjab Sulman Taseer and Shery Rehman during protest against proposed amendments in Blasphemy Law at Hyder Chowk. Hyderabad, Pakistan.




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