Pakistan: ROVER’S DIARY: Much ado about blasphemy

The question thus arises is why, in our Muslim society, is free thinking not challenged by rational argument by the Muslim theologists? Why do we need one of the most extensive and repressive blasphemy laws?

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Babar Ayaz | November 30, 2010

A cursory view of the whole debate about the Blasphemy Law shows that there are many saner and more intellectually sound Muslims who do not support the existing draconian law. Except for a small extremist coterie of bigots, many politicians are all for removing Section 295-B and C

Way back on March 6, 1927, Bertrand Russell delivered a lecture to the National Secular Society, South London Branch, at Battersea Town Hall. It was subsequently published in pamphlet form that same year. This essay achieved fame when Paul Edward published a compilation of Russell’s essays on religion, titled Why I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays. In his lecture, he talked about his agnostic views about God and questioned certain Christian values.

Pakistan: VIEW | The Ilam Din fiasco and lies about Jinnah

One is reminded of the famous Boston Massacre in 1770 when British soldiers opened fire and killed five civilians who were protesting against them. The British soldiers hired John Adams as a lawyer, who got five of the accused acquitted, arguing that a sentry’s post is his castle.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Yasser Latif Hamdani | November 29, 2010

Jinnah’s record as a legislator tells us a different story altogether. He was an indefatigable defender of civil liberties. He stood for Bhagat Singh’s freedom and condemned the British government in the harshest language when no one else would

In the recent debate over the blasphemy law, a group of Jamaat-e-Islami-backed right-wing authors have come up with an extraordinary lie. It is extraordinary because it calls into question the professional integrity of the one man in South Asian history who has been described as incorruptible and honest to the bone by even his most vociferous critics and fiercest rivals, i.e. Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The lie goes something like this: ‘Ghazi’ Ilam Din ‘Shaheed’ killed blasphemer Hindu Raj Pal and was represented by Quaid-e-Azam at the trial who advised him to deny his involvement in the murder. ‘Ghazi’ and ‘Shaheed’ Ilam Din refused and said that he would never lie about the fact that he killed Raja Pal. Quaid-e-Azam lost the case and Ilam Din was hanged.

Israel: Religious Community Leaders discuss freedom of religion

Bahij Mansour, director of Inter-religious Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the event and said that beyond freedom of worship, the council’s Thursday session also dwelt on the role of religious leaders during crises.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Jerusalem Post | News
By Jonah Mandel | November 28, 2010

Clerics also hold interfaith prayer session for rain.

Israel’s religious leaders met on Thursday in lower Galilee to discuss freedom of religion and worship in the Holy Land, as well as to offer a joint prayer for rain.

The Council of Religious Community Leaders in Israel, whose fourth annual convention took place at the Domus Galilaeae International Center near the Mount of Beatitude, is comprised of the heads of the various religious communities in Israel, including both chief rabbis, heads of churches, the head of the Druse community, the head of the Islamic Appeals Court and heads of other communities such as the Baha’i, Ahmadiyya, Lutherans, Anglicans, Samaritans, Copts, Ethiopians and Assyrians.

Pakistan: 'We won’t allow change in blasphemy laws,' extremists declare

Hundreds of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) workers had started accumulating at Bari Imam Shrine to participate in a long march being kicked off on Saturday against the deteriorating law and order situation and terrorism.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Nation | Pakistan
By Nation | November 29, 2010

Chief of the Sunni Ittehad Council Sahibzada Fazal Karim has said that terrorism has distorted the image of the nation across the globe, adding that those persuading people for suicide attacks are not loyal to Pakistan.

According to media reports, Chief of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Sahibzada Fazal Karim while addressing the participants of the long march at Bari Imam shrine said that the government has not accepted the SIC demand for legislation to curb terrorism and called an All Parties Conference on the issue.

He said the SIC would not allow abrogation of the blasphemy law. He also demanded release of the arrested activists of the group.

Hundreds of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) workers had started accumulating at Bari Imam Shrine to participate in a long march being kicked off on Saturday against the deteriorating law and order situation and terrorism.

Indonesia: Religious intolerance ‘on the rise in Jakarta’

"In any modern constitution-based nation, there is no limitation whatsoever on what religions the citizens can subscribe to. I believe that as long as a belief does not violate other people’s rights and freedom, then such a belief can be recognized as a religion."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Post
By Hans David Tampubolon November 30, 2010

Jakarta: A survey published Monday has confirmed a widely held assumption that religious intolerance is rising in the Greater Jakarta region.

The survey, conducted by human rights watchdog Setara Institute from Oct. 20 to Nov. 10, found that close to 50 percent of the respondents thought it was unacceptable for houses of worship of other religions to be constructed in their neighborhood.

“This public opinion survey found that 49.5 percent of respondents in the whole Greater Jakarta area refused to have places of worship of other religions built in their neighborhood. There is potential for the outbreak of tensions between people of different faiths,” Benny Susetyo of the Setara Institute said in a press conference.

Eye on Extremism: Blasphemy!!! —Farrukh Khan Pitafi

Right now I am concerned more about the quality of public discourse on the matter and the laws at hand. Personally, I am for total repeal of the blasphemy laws. I have argued enough in an apologetic manner.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Farrukh Khan Pitafi | November 26, 2010

I implore all those who contend that it is an Islamic law to first show us the grounds for it in the Holy Quran. If they cannot, they need to realise that it is counterproductive to the spirit and interest of Islam

Things just keep getting better and better. Now the guardians of our spiritual boundaries have selected another scapegoat. Aasia Bibi is the new victim. No, I stand corrected. The entire nation is their victim. Do you have any idea how easy it is to get you killed? All it takes is a single public address from the loudspeaker of a mosque announcing that you have indulged in blasphemy. No evidence is needed. Nor any FIR. Just rely on the public address and within minutes hordes of the faithful will start assembling at your gate with all possible weapons. No matter how much you plead your innocence, you will find yourself engulfed in scorching, burning flames.

USA: Muslim sect buys landmark church, Eid-ul Adhia celebrated

...[T]he mosque plans to hold separate meetings for men over 40, between 15-40, and boys ages 7-15 and women ages 15 and up and girls from 7-15.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: PennLive.Com
By Mary Klaus | November 12, 2010

A new religious community has moved into a landmark uptown Harrisburg church.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community last month bought Lakeside Lutheran Church, a landmark for 51 years, at 245 Division St.

Lakeside Lutheran closed on Oct. 31 because of falling membership and rising expenses, church officials said. The church, built to seat 520, had been getting about 30 worshippers at Sunday services.

"Our community is growing rapidly," said Akram Khalid, president of the York/Harrisburg Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. "This mosque will welcome any other religion to come and worship according to their own beliefs and practices."

Pakistan: Religious groups vow to resist ‘govt move’ against blasphemy laws

They said the president had no legal authority to pardon blasphemy convicts. They said Muslim rulers should boycott European markets and their products because they were supporting the people involved in blasphemy.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Dawn | November 29, 2010

LAHORE: Religious leaders belonging to various schools of thought pledged here on Thursday to jointly resist a reported move to send a Christian blasphemy convict abroad.

They decided to take along other segments of society to build a public campaign against the government’s plan to amend the blasphemy law.

Briefing the media after a meeting of religious parties under the banner of Tehrik Hurmat-i-Rasool, the leaders said they would use their influence both within and outside the parliament to block the move to send Aasia abroad.

Indonesia: In Jakarta, Signs of Creeping Intolerance | Editorial, The Jakarta Globe

Indonesia has always prided itself in its social and political tolerance toward all citizens, no matter what their faith or background. Now, radical organizations are pushing these boundaries and sowing distrust and hatred.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe | Editorial
By TJG | November 30, 2010

The results of a survey by a nongovernmental organization on rising religious intolerance in Greater Jakarta make for chilling reading. More than half of those surveyed said they would not accept people of different faiths within their neighborhoods.

Conducted by the Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace , the survey also found residents of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi to be easily swayed economically, socially and politically.

The survey, conducted from Oct. 20 to Nov. 10 , had 1,200 randomly sampled respondents.

It is truly alarming that nearly 50 percent said tolerance of different faiths and ethnic groups was limited to social relations.

Pakistan: Raiwind Again? - Key suspect in Sri Lankan team attack arrested

This latest arrest was termed a major breakthrough in light of the possibility of terrorist attacks during the upcoming holy month of Muharram.

Screen capture of terrorists attacking the Sri Lankan team in 2009.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Express | November 29, 2010

LAHORE: Lahore police have arrested a key suspect allegedly involved in the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in March 2009.

The suspect, Qari Umer Wahab, was picked up by officials from the Raiwind area of Lahore, reported Shiraz Hasnat for Express 24/7.

Superintendent of Police Lahore Umer Virk confirmed that Wahab was involved in a number of terrorism cases including the Sri Lankan team attack.
Virk said Qari Umar belonged to banned Lashkara-e-Jhangvi and provided information to other terrorists regarding their targets and locations. Virk also termed the arrest a major success against terrorism network.

Police recovered a suicide jacket, mobile phones and 2.5 million rupees cash from Qari Umer.

Indonesia: "Most Lombok Ahmadiyah Converted," claims religious ministry official

Ahmadiyya Times: This is similar to the practices elsewhere (well, Pakistan, to be exact), where the Islamist clerics and many religious ministry officials often feel the need to announce 'Glad Tidings' for the Muslim Ummah that the Ahmadiyyas have been eliminated. The Indonesian are following in perfect footsteps if the purpose is to spread delusions to their citizenry. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Fitri | November 30, 2010

Mataram. Hundreds of members of the Ahmadiyah sect in the Central Lombok district of Lombok Island have 'returned to the fold of mainstream Islam,' while only five families, or 21 people, remained followers of the faith, a local official said Monday.

Gabriel Mbulu, a member of the Central Lombok office of the Ministry for Religious Affairs, said that of the 500 Ahmadiyah followers once reported living in the district, only 21 remained part of the sect.

[Mr. Mbulu forgets to report that the missing 'hundreds' were chased out of the town at the encouragement of the Ministry for Religious Affairs and are actually living as refugees in their own country in government arranged camps. (Ahmadiyya Times)]

“From the 500, there are only 21 who do not want to return to Islam, besides those who left for Sulawesi. Hundreds have returned to true Islam,” Gabriel said.

Faith and Logic: Not Every Experience Is A Reward

...[E]very experience of happiness is not a reward for a previous action. So, one cannot say every incidence of suffering is a form of punishment. When healthy children are also born to bad parents, who would argue that a child is healthy because his parent’s were good people?

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Finger Lakes Times | Opinion-Editorial,
By Sardar Anees Ahmad | November 26, 2010

How can a loving God allow for so much suffering? Arguing that suffering only exists as a trial is insufficient. The argument below, largely adapted from a chapter from Mirza Tahir Ahmad’s Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth, argues that suffering plays a scientifically beneficial role in our lives.

To begin, consider that an entity is known when contrasted with its opposite. For example, we describe someone as “happy” because one can also be “sad.” Now, as sensory organs such as the brain evolved through the course of creation, the ability to understand pleasure and pain also developed. A primitive organism, with its underdeveloped brain and limited consciousness, is “happy” if fed and reproducing and “sad” otherwise. This is the limit of its understanding of pain and pleasure. Humans, however, are the most conscious beings. Therefore, their conception of pleasure and pain is the most developed and far more is required to satisfy even their fundamental needs.

USA: Let's Pressure Pakistan - Get rid of extremism

The Pakistani government’s lack of interest to religious freedom is again evident in tolerating the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community —a community committed to peace and secularism in statecraft since its inception in 1889.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Record | Troy
By Hassan Ahmed | November 24, 2010

Many are aware that Pakistan is racked with traditions of religious extremism and the legal systems in Pakistan fully endorse it as evident in the anti-blasphemy laws of Pakistan. In continuation of these unfortunate traditions, a Pakistani Christian lady, Asia Bibi, has now been (legally) condemned to death for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad, a horrific violation of religious freedom.

The Pakistani government’s lack of interest to religious freedom is again evident in tolerating the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community —a community committed to peace and secularism in statecraft since its inception in 1889. Just a few months ago, many relatives of American-Ahmadi-Muslims, including one of mine, were brutally massacred in mosque attacks in Lahore. The perpetrators are still roaming free.

Pakistan: Lahore Hight Court stalls pardon moves for Aasia Bibi

The Lahore high court chief justice, Khawaja Sharif, ordered the provincial governor and federal government to respond to the petition and adjourned the hearing until December 6, Leghari said.

Asia Bibi was sentenced to death for blasphemy

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By AFP | November 29, 2010

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday prevented the government from granting a swift pardon to Aasia Bibi, a Christian mother sentenced to death for allegedly insulting the Prophet Mohammed, a lawyer said.

Lawyers petitioned the LHC not to allow President Asif Ali Zardari to pardon Aasia Bibi while her case was pending in the courts.

Pope Benedict XVI has called for her release and political pressure has been growing for a pardon, but certain religious groups have threatened anarchy if the government grants clemency to Aasia, mobilising protestors onto the streets.

USA: Oregon Muslim leaders fear retribution after plot

"I've prayed for my family and friends, because obviously if someone was deliberate enough to do this, what's to stop them from coming to our homes and our schools?  I'm afraid for my children getting harassed from their teachers, maybe from their friends."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Yahoo News | Associated Press
By Jonathan Cooper & Nigel Duara | November 29, 2010

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Patrols around mosques and other Islamic sites in Portland have been stepped up as Muslim leaders expressed fears of retribution, days after a Somali-American man was accused of trying to blow up a van full of explosives during the city's Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Portland Mayor Sam Adams said Sunday that he beefed up protection around mosques "and other facilities that might be vulnerable to knuckle-headed retribution" after hearing of the bomb plot.

The move followed a fire Sunday at the Islamic center in Corvallis, a college town about 75 miles southwest of Portland, where suspect Mohamed Osman Mohamud occasionally worshipped, prompting an FBI arson investigation and concern about the potential for more retaliation.

Mohamud, 19, was being held on charges of plotting to carry out a terror attack Friday on a crowd of thousands at Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon.

USA: Muslims at Lynnwood center mark call to sacrifice

Mecca, the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad, is in present-day Saudi Arabia. Muslims pray in the direction of Mecca, and they are expected to make a pilgrimage there at least once in their lives.

Photo: Dan Bates / Herald

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Herald | Everette, Washington
ByKatya Yefimova, Herald Writer | November 20, 2010

LYNNWOOD — Mariam Ahmad took the day off school Wednesday to celebrate Eid-al-Adha.

An important holiday for Muslims around the world, Eid al-Adha marks the symbolic sacrifice of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham to Christians and Jews) and the close of hajj, a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

The celebration is supposed to remind Muslims of the importance of sacrifice and gratitude to God.

Mecca, the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad, is in present-day Saudi Arabia. Muslims pray in the direction of Mecca, and they are expected to make a pilgrimage there at least once in their lives.

Ahmad, 19, of Edmonds, joined family and friends at Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center in Lynnwood.

As the Flames of Intolerance Flare, Indonesians Are Reminded of Their Nation’s Origins in Diversity

The minister has repeatedly called for Ahmadiyah to disband, and has showed support for the 1965 law on blasphemy that many observers say has legitimized acts of violence against minority sects and groups.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Nivell Rayda & Fitri | November 28, 2010

Indonesia. A hundred police officers armed with assault rifles and pistols were not enough to dissuade Tuti (not her real name) from walking barefoot for a kilometer, her 3-year-old son on her back, to the village of Gegerung in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Friday.

Once she arrived, the 25-year-old mother joined hundreds of people from her village in ransacking and demolishing dozens of houses belonging to members of the Ahmadiyah minority sect.

“Infidels,” she screamed as she pelted one of the homes with rocks. “Get out of our village.”

Pakistan: Pro-blasphemy laws long marchers reach Lahore

Condemning the drone attacks, Sahibzada Fazal said that the rulers should stop serving as the agents of US, as the ongoing events of terrorism in Pakistan were the result of the policies being pursued by our government on the behest of the Americans.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Nation | Pakistan
By Jawad R Awan, Jam Sajjad Hussain | November 29, 2010

LAHORE - Leaders of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) have pledged to continue struggle for protecting the Blasphemy Law and fight against the extremist forces to save Pakistan, besides contesting the next general polls from the platform of SIC.

The long march was launched by SIC to protest against terror attacks on shrines, government efforts to make changes in the Blasphemy Law, price-hike and Indian forces atrocities on Kashmiris.

Addressing the participants of the ‘Save Pakistan Long March’ outside the shrine of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (Data Sahab) at its conclusion, SIC chairman Sahabzada Fazal Karim said another long march would be called from the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi, Karachi to that of Baba Farid, Pakpattan.

Eye on Islamist Extremists: Who Are the Real McCarthyites?

If we were to scour the globe for examples of real McCarthyite harassment, it would be hard to miss the actions of Maududi's JI in Pakistan.  In fact, their campaign of bullying, repression and violence against the Ahmadi sect - a group they believe is involved in a conspiracy to destroy their way of life - remains enshrined in the country's law to this day.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Standing Point | UK | Cross-Post
By: Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens | November 24, 2010

Why don't Islamists and those on the ‘left' read a history book or two instead of spouting ignorant canards about a so called 'neo-McCarthyite' movement against Muslims?  The latest example of this flagrant abuse of history is to be found in a blog by the New Statesman's Mehdi Hasan, in which he attacks Daily Telegraph journalist and blogger, Andrew Gilligan.

In his blog, Hasan responds to Gilligan's criticism of his recent New Statesman interview with Lutfur Rahman, the new Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. A short background to this: Rahman was recently exposed by Gilligan as having close links with the Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE), something which Rahman himself has never denied.  Indeed, one of the main coordinators of Rahman's election campaign, Bodrul Islam, has himself admitted that Rahman and the IFE share a ‘strategic relationship'.

Indonesia: Lombok Ahmadiyah Families Lodge Complaint Over Lost Homes

There are now 183 Ahmadis, or 72 families, staying at the shelter, up from the initial 133 people who were driven out of Gegerung during the 2006 incident.

Ahmadiyya families pose for Muslim Television Ahmadiyya
File Photo: Firdaus Mubarik

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By Fitri | November 28, 2010

Indonesia. Members of the beleaguered Ahmadiyah Islamic sect have filed a police report over the destruction of their homes on Friday by residents of Gegerung village in West Lombok district.

The village’s Ahmadiyah community was first driven out by angry residents in 2006, and has since been forced to live at a temporary shelter in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara’s capital.

On Nov. 19, the authorities evicted 12 families who had since returned, following threats against them by the residents, and a week later, the villagers made good on their word and destroyed 22 homes that had been abandoned by the fleeing families.

Police failed to prevent the destruction or arrest anyone, despite having deployed 100 personnel to the area.

In Search of a Desperado: Pak Federal Government announces Rs. 10 million for spying against Taliban

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik is seeking nation’s support against Taliban and said the government would facilitate the informer to settle in any foreign country if he/she fears that Taliban can hurt them.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Pakistan Times | Headlines
By Times' Federal Bureau | November 27, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The Federal government on Saturday announced Rs.10 million reward, security, employment for the individual who would spy for the government against Taliban.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik while seeking nation’s support against Taliban said the government would also facilitate the informer to settle in any foreign country if he/she fears that Taliban can hurt them.

He said the government has broken the back of Taliban and they are breathing their last adding that the desperate Taliban were carrying out terrorist activities against innocent people in mosques, holy shrines and in public places.

Pak Parliament, not PPP, to decide Blasphemy Law: Jehangir Badr

When asked, Badr expressed complete ignorance of the purpose of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer's visit to Aasia in Sheikhupura District Jail, saying he had no idea why the governor met her.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |  Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily India
By ANI | November 28, 2010

Lahore, Nov 28: The Pakistan People's Party is not taking any decision to amend Section 295-C of the Blasphemy Law, since it is the Parliament's job.

The party will accept any decision that it takes in this regard, PPP Secretary General Jehangir Badr has said.

"The PPP strongly believes in supremacy of the Parliament and will allow the legislature to do its job in this regard," The News quoted Badr, as saying, while addressing a press conference at Lahore Press Club on Saturday.

Faith & Science: Anti-aging Pill | Soon be a Reality

Smoking, sunbathing, fried food, infections and stress can all produce excess free radicals. However, green leafy vegetables and whole grain bread contain antioxidants that can neutralise them.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Pakistan Times | Health
By Reports & Research Desk | November 27, 2010

Scientists are a step closer to creating an anti-ageing drug, after they discovered a key anti-ageing enzyme that stops our cells from decaying.

It has long been known that reducing calorie intake can dramatically slow the process of ageing and improve health in later life.

Now researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a key enzyme called Sirt3, which causes this dramatic effect in cell molecules.

Lead scientist Professor Tomas Prolla said: 'We're getting closer and closer to a good understanding of how caloric restriction works.

Promoting peace through art - 16-day campaign against gender-based violence launched

Using paints, chalks and markers the ideas are allowed to flow and take the form of expression that duly describe the participant’s inner feelings. With the help of these techniques, the children, from various community schools around Islamabad, ‘were inculcated with the values of peace building and respectful coexistence’.

 PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVED

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Momina Sibtain | November 27, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Known for its appreciation and support for human rights, Nomad Art Gallery launched their 16-day campaign in support of activism against gender-based violence.

Holding a one-day workshop for children at the gallery premises, Nageen Hayat, the owner, took a very different angle while lecturing them on the issue. Instead of educating the victims about the effects of such actions, she discussed the future of the country and asked the children to play a part in fostering peace and respect among their peers.

Ufaq Ehsen, a graduate of National College of Arts and a professional artist, who specializes in art therapy, conducted the workshop.

Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories with the psychological aspects of the creative processes. The affective properties of different art materials are then used to analyse, and subsequently disseminate positive ideas into the minds of the people.

U.S.: WikiLeaks Release Endangers 'Countless' Lives

US Government to WikiLeaks: "Despite your stated desire to protect those lives, you have done the opposite and endangered the lives of countless individuals. You have undermined your stated objective by disseminating this material widely, without redaction, and without regard to the security and sanctity of the lives your actions endanger."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Fox News | AP
By Associated Press | November 28, 2010

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration is warning online whistleblower WikiLeaks that its expected imminent release of classified State Department documents will put "countless" lives at risk, threaten global counterterorism operations and jeopardize U.S. relations with its allies.

In a highly unusual step reflecting the administration's grave concerns about the ramifications of the move, the State Department late Saturday released a letter from its top lawyer to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange telling him publication of the documents would be illegal and demanding that he stop it.

Guatemala: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community hosts 21st annual convention with US delegation in attendance

“Remember that Jalsa is full of spiritual benefits and rewards. You should derive maximum benefit from this gathering. You should inculcate love and regard for each other and your other fellow human beings." [Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad]

Flag hoisting ceremony and prayers

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: AMC Guatemala | Ahmadiyya Times
By Imran Jattala | November 27, 2010


Guatemala City: Many dignitaries from North America and elsewhere descended on Baitul Awal Mosque to attend the Jalsa Salana (annual convention) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) of Guatemala.

Since its inauguration in 1989 this is the 21st annual convention being organized at the Baitul Awal Mosque in the suburbs of Guatemala City.

The convention started with the Friday prayers on November 26 and the proceedings will continue until Sunday.

The traditional flag hoisting ceremony was held at the start of the program, which was led by Imam Daud Hanif of USA and Imam Sattar Khan of Guatemala.

Imam Daud Hanif, who traveled from the United States, presided over the first session of the convention.

Sierra Leone: Football | Christ the King College ready for Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School

The match which will be played at the Bo Coronation Field has been described by football analysts as a wait and see situation.

File Photo: Football field

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: Awareness Times | News & Information
Edited By Ahmadiyya Times | November 27, 2010

Local tabloids have it that an inter-secondary school football and volley ball competition has gained  momentum in Bo City.

The Christ the King College and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School are expected to meet on Monday for the Football semi-finals.

Tension among students for the semi-finals is said to be building up as supporters of both teams are expecting victory.

The match which will be played at the Bo Coronation Field has been described by football analysts as a 'wait and see situation.'


Read original post here: CKC Ready for Ahmadiyya

Pakistan: Prayer leader arrested on allegations of sexual assault

She used to go to the masjid to learn Quran from Nawaz. She told her parents about the incident after she became pregnant who then arranged an abortion. Saira’s parents consulted their neighbours and caught the prayer leader and his son and handed them over to the police.

File Photo: Hafiz Rahman, A UK imam
was also jailed for sexual misconduct.  

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Express | November 25, 2010

MULTAN: A prayer leader and his son in Khawaja Gharib Nawaz area were arrested on Tuesday on allegations of sexual assault.

They would be presented before the court on Thursday (today) to seek their physical remand.

15-year-old Saira* said that she was regularly abused by Maulvi Haq Nawaz and his son Sajid.

She used to go to the masjid to learn Quran from Nawaz. She told her parents about the incident after she became pregnant who then arranged an abortion. Saira’s parents consulted their neighbours and caught the prayer leader and his son and handed them over to the police. Setal Mari police station house officer Akhtar Hussain told The Express Tribune that they have registered a case against the two and were investigating them. Quoting the girl’s neighbours, he said that Nawaz and his son admitted to sexually assaulting her on being beaten up.

Pakistan: Blasphemy Law - An instrument of abuse?

Having survived for nearly three decades in its current and extreme form, the blasphemy laws have so far escaped all reform due to opposition from religio-political groups. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan | Blog
By Qurat ul ain Siddiqui | November 26, 2010

The death sentence handed down to Pakistani Christian woman Aasia Bibi by a court in Punjab province’s Nankana district has once again brought attention to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. And while the 45-year-old mother of five awaits a review of the verdict against her, questions are being raised regarding the intent behind and utility of the said laws.

While the Constitution of Pakistan criminalises “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage” the religious sentiments of “any” community, the blasphemy laws, in the form of additions to Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), proceed to recommend much more exacting penalties, including death, if the accused is found to be either disrespectful toward or critical of the Quran, Prophet Mohammad, Islam’s caliphs and other important figures mentioned in the statutes. These particular laws therefore do not stand up for religions other than Islam thereby rendering defenceless other religious communities. Moreover, the laws’ provisions pertaining to the Ahmedi community in many ways constrain them from practicing their religion. Forbidden from calling themselves, or “posing” as, Muslims, the legislation makes abundantly clear, albeit circuitously, that their faith should not be what it is.

Pakistan: Law Minister Babar Awan says no one can change blasphemy law

Babar Awan claims to be a religious scholar; he gives lectures on Islam but at the time faces serious accusation of corruption in the Harris Steel Mill case of Bank of Punjab scandal. Additionally, he continues to claim to be a PhD and uses the prefix of Dr with his name despite the fact that the Monticello University, which awarded him the fake degree.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The News International | ePaper
By Ansar Abbasi | November 26, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Law Minister Babar Awan has categorically said that no one should think of repealing the blasphemy law. “In my presence as the Law Minister, no one should think of finishing this law,” he said while declaring himself to be a “Shaheen” (eagle). He was talking to a senior member of the Jang Group on Thursday.

The minister came out with these unequivocal remarks in the wake of the latest media debate over the blasphemy laws, which started once again by the recent award of a death sentence to a Christian woman on blasphemy charges.

The categorical stance by Minister Awan, arguably one of the closest aides of President Zardari and one with a role in many controversies, is in direct contradiction to that taken by Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer, who while being critical of the same law is all out to secure the release of Aasia Masih, sentenced to death by a district and sessions court of Nankana Sahib in the Punjab. Taseer has already declared that the convict was innocent and according to observers his view is shared by many commentators who in a majority of cases may not even have gone through the details of the evidence and judgment.

Indonesia: Judge awarded for bracing pluralism

Maria Farida (left) was the only Constitutional Court judge who gave a dissenting opinion on the judicial review on the blasphemy law last April.

Judge Maria Farida Indrati: (Photo The Jakarta Post)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Post
By TJP | November 26, 2010

JAKARTA: The Jakarta chapter of the Independent Journalist Alliance (AJI) presented the 2010 S.K. Trimurti Award to Constitutional Court judge Maria Farida Indrati Soeprapto.

Maria Farida was the only Constitutional Court judge who gave a dissenting opinion on the judicial review on the blasphemy law last April. She also voiced doubts on the hearing of the anti-pornography law last March. Her standpoint is based on her firm belief on Indonesia’s pluralism and equality for all Indonesians.

S.K. Trimurti Award is an award given to female journalists or activists who fight for freedom of expression, press and public information.

Pakistan: Blasphemy law is not God-given, it is man-made, says Taseer

Talking during an interview with the channel, Taseer said no Muslim could even imagine blasphemy, adding that the issue important for him was reviewing the blasphemy law.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan
By Daily Times | November 26, 2010

LAHORE: Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer has said that he went to meet Aasia Bibi for the sake of humanity only and the blasphemy law was man-made and not God-given, adding that his meeting with Aasia Bibi was being politicised, a private TV channel reported on Thursday.

Talking during an interview with the channel, Taseer said no Muslim could even imagine blasphemy, adding that the issue important for him was reviewing the blasphemy law. “Even now, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan, Nilofer Bakhtiar, Sherry Rehman and others have talked about bringing a change in this law,” he said, adding that he had conducted a complete investigation of the matter that the law was used against Aasia.

Canada: Toronto MP calls on doctors to help Haiti cholera victims

...[T]he doctors will be hosted by Humanity First, a non-governmental organization offering assistance to the Haitian earthquake survivors.

A Humanity First doctor during Haiti mission

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: 680 NEWS | All News Radio
By News staff | NEWS | November 27, 2010

TORONTO, ON. -  A Toronto Member of Parliament is calling on doctors in east Toronto and Markham to help Haiti's cholera victims.

Jim Karygiannis, Liberal MP for the Ontario riding of Scarborough-Agincourt, said the doctors will be hosted by Humanity First, a non-governmental organization offering assistance to the Haitian earthquake survivors.

A Canadian entrepreneur has offered assistance to help with airfare, he said.

He hopes some doctors from his riding can take a week to 10 days out of their schedules to help out in Haiti.

Dozens of medical camps are being run by local Humanity First doctors, particularly in Gilgit and the North-West, and in Sindh and Southern Punjab. So far, over 16,000 patients have been treated.



Read original post here: Toronto MP calls on doctors to help Haiti cholera victims

Pakistan: Anarchy renewed? Several injured, arrested at Sunni Ittehad Council rally

Chief of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) said the SIC will not allow the repeal of the blasphemy laws. In view of security apprehensions, the government was in top gear since yesterday to stanch Islamabad-Lahore Long March announced by Sunni Ittehad as the march to ‘Save Pakistan’.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Dawn | Pakistan
By Agencies / Dawn | November 27, 2010

Photo: The workers of Sunni Tehreek (ST) arriving on board Khyber Mail were arrested at Rawalpindi Railways station. - File Photo/Dawn

ISLAMABAD: Over a hundred local leaders and activists of Sunni Ittehad Council were arrested on Saturday. Police stopped the rally near ‘Soha Rawalpindi, where the activists had held a sit-in protest and were determined to move forward.

Police in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi jump-started into action since Saturday morning in a bid to stem Council’s Long March from Islamabad to Lahore. Hazrart Bari Imam Shrine was sealed.

Ghana: Government Will Reach Out To All Religious Denominations - President

According to President Mills, neither the government nor the opposition or any other stakeholders in the country had monopoly over wisdom and scholarship, since it was only the collective efforts of the people which would ensure the forward march of the country.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Modern Ghana | Daily Graphic
By Kweku Tsen  | November 24, 2010

The President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, has given the assurance that the government will always seek, without discrimination, the opinions and views of leaders of the various religious denominations in the formulation of national policies and programmes.

He said since good ideas transcended religious faiths, the government would do what was proper by reaching out to the various denominations to tap the best and undiluted ideas for national development.

The President was interacting with Muslim clerics at the Peduase Lodge, near Aburi, yesterday. The more-than-two-hour meeting, which attracted personalities including the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu; Maulvi Dr Wahab Adam, the Ameer and Missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission; leaders of the Al-Sunna and other Muslim sects, discussed pertinent issues of national concern.

Haiti: Humanity First's Canadian aid shipment to Haiti languishes at a Port-au-Prince port

Canadians generously opened their wallets after the Jan. 12 earthquake devastated Haiti, a Caribbean nation that remains the poorest in the Western hemisphere. Individuals donated a total of $220 million to Canadian charities, an amount matched by the federal government.

Humanity First team working in Haiti

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: CBC | News
By Amber Hildebrant | November 26, 2010

For months, Humanity First Canada's shipments to help Haitians affected by the earthquake have languished at a Port-au-Prince port, racking up storage fees as the company fills out costly paperwork and pays taxes.

"We were trying to help the people in Haiti, and the government itself is making problems," said Hassam Naeem, the agency's logistics director.

Naeem is in Haiti for the third time trying to free the shipments. Each day that passes, the port charges him an additional $20 storage fee for each of two large containers there and is seeking thousands of dollars in taxes.

"They're trying to get as much money out of our pockets as possible," said Naeem, who worries the funds are lining the pockets of officials.

Where's the aid?

Eye on Terrorism: Banned terrorist organization Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) allowed to rally in Punjab against possible pardon for Aasia

The rally was organised by a subsidiary of banned charity Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), which the United Nations has blacklisted as a terrorist organisation.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By AFP /Express | November 27, 2010

Hundreds protest possible pardon for Aasia

LAHORE: A religious party has threatened protests and anarchy if the government pardons Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy, calling hundreds of demonstrators onto the streets on Friday.

Activists shouted slogans against Aasia Bibi during protest and government was urged to not pardon Bibi, warning that it would lead to anarchy.

Demonstrators marched in Lahore after the Sunni Ittehad Council urged the government to not grant clemency to Aasia Bibi a mother of five.

A crowd of several hundred called for “jihad” and pledged to sacrifice their lives to protect the honour of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Canada: Tony Blair, Christopher Hitchens debate religion

Blair, a Catholic convert, said all his policy decisions, including supporting the Iraq war, were based on his genuine belief they were the right choices, not because of his religious ideologies.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Yahoo News | AP
By AP /Yahoo | November 26, 2010

TORONTO – Former British prime minister Tony Blair says his religious beliefs did not play a role in his decision to support the U.S. invasion of Iraq during a debate about the merits of religion in Toronto.

Blair spoke Friday night during a debate with writer Christopher Hitchens about whether religion is a force for good in the world.

Blair, a Catholic convert, said all his policy decisions, including supporting the Iraq war, were based on his genuine belief they were the right choices, not because of his religious ideologies.

Hitchens, an avowed atheist, Vanity Fair columnist and author of "God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," argued religion forces people to do unspeakable things under the guise of their faith.

He is fighting final-stage esophageal cancer and has refused to embrace religion despite his diagnosis.



Read original post here: Tony Blair, Christopher Hitchens debate religion

Pakistan: Taliban warns against blasphemy pardon, resistance pledged

Faqir Muhammad, talking to BBC Urdu from an undisclosed location, said the Taliban would resist any move to pardon Asia Bibi.

Pro-Taliban cleric Mulla Fazlur Rahman

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Source/Credit: Central Asia Online | Ahmadiyya Times
By Adnan Adil | November 26, 2010
Edited by Ahmadiyya Times

ISLAMABAD – Maulvi Faqir Muhammad, the deputy chief of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan warned the government of serious consequences if it grants amnesty to the woman sentenced to death for blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad, BBC Urdu reported.

Faqir Muhammad, talking to BBC Urdu from an undisclosed location, said the Taliban would resist any move to pardon Asia Bibi, who was convicted by a lower court on blasphemy charges in Nankana Sahab, near Lahore.

Faqir Muhammad said Pakistan was an ideological state and said that a pardon because of foreign pressure was not acceptable.

Some extremist groups in Pakistan would like to see the Taliban version of Islam enforced in Pakistan.

Indonesia: Govt monitors Ahmadiyah religious practices

After having been forced to take shelter, around 12 families last week returned home to their village, only to be evicted again by local residents.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Post | The Archipelago
By TJP | November 26, 2010

MATARAM: The government continues to provide counseling to the Ahmadiyah sect and ensuring that Ahmadis are not disseminating their teachings, says an official.

Didiek Darmanto, head of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) prosecutor’s office also heading the religion and sect monitoring body, warned people against resorting to violence in dealing with the issue.

“The prosecutor’s office helps monitor Ahmadiyah in NTB based on joint decrees by three ministries,” he said at a media conference on Wednesday.

“We hope people do not resort to street justice.”

Pakistan: Clerics hold rallies against 'support' to Asia today

They said some so-called human rights NGOs were opposing the law on the behalf of America. “Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shehbaz Bhatti is spreading rumours of death threats to the Asia’s family just to gains sympathies”..

Husband and daughters of Asia Bibi talking to the news media

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Source/Credit: PakTribune | Pakistan
By Tribune | November 26, 2010

LAHORE - Tehrik-e-Hurmat-e-Rasool (THR) will hold protest rallies and seminars against the soft behaviour of rulers for Asia Bibi across the country including provincial metropolis on Friday (today), say convener THR.

Speaking at a joint press conference at a local hotel on Thursday, Maulana Ameer Hamza said the president had no right to pardon the death sentence of the accused of blasphemy. He said the conspiracy to repeal the blasphemy law would not be succeeded in the country. He demanded of the Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry to take sou moto against Punjab Governor Salman Taseer on his statements regarding the issue. They also demanded of the CJ to order the government to ensure Asia Bibi does not flee abroad.

Indonesia: Villagers in Lombok Ransack, Destroy Ahmadiyah Homes

“If you don’t come out of your homes, we’ll tear and burn them down. So come out or we’ll come and get you! Destroy the Ahmadis who bring shame to Islam!”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Jakarta Globe
By TJG | Fitri R. | November 26, 2010

Mataram. Villagers in West Lombok district on Friday destroyed 22 homes belonging to Ahmadiyah families in the latest wave of violence there aimed at the minority Muslim sect.

Exactly a week earlier, local officials drove 12 Ahmadiyah families out of Gegerung village following growing opposition from the rest of the village.

No injuries were reported in the latest incident as the homes had all been abandoned following evictions in 2006 that saw 133 Ahmadiyah followers forced to take refuge at a temporary shelter in Mataram, the West Nusa Tenggara capital, where they remain to this day.

Faith and Practice: Comments | Repeal the blasphemy law

Ahmadiyya Times staff selection: The following letter written by a reader to the editor of Daily Times was selected for repost for its common sense value. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Times | Pakistan | Letters
By Brig. Mehboob Qadir | November 25, 2010

Sir: Recently, a local judge in Nankana sentenced a Christian woman to death for committing blasphemy on the complaint of a few Muslim villagers. The truth of the matter is that Aasia Bibi had gone to fetch water from the same well where the other women were filling up their pitchers. An altercation developed and thus the blasphemy complaint. One has to painfully lament the insensitivity of our society and the press, especially the TV channels, towards the deplorable court judgement against Aasia Bibi.

There is a ‘Nankana demon’ in every household of our country, thanks to the political expediency of wretched men like General Ziaul Haq, his evil ilk and the fat foreign-fed mullahs. Our society and its psyche has been thoroughly vulgarised into beastliness by this malevolent horde. There are so-called highly educated households where only religious channels and the like are allowed and no books of literature, music or objects of fine art can be seen anywhere. Our middle class has not only been marginalised but also more seriously intellectually perverted, rather stunted.

BRIGADIER MEHBOOB QADIR
Rawalpindi


Read original post here: Repeal the blasphemy law

Pakistan: ‘Personal enmity led to blasphemy charge’, Minister

Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti, while presenting the report, said people from minority communities know the consequences of blasphemy and can never think of committing such an offence.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Express | November 27, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Aasia Bibi has wrongly been accused of blasphemy, said the minister for minorities in a report submitted to President Asif Ali Zardari.

“The report and its supporting documents have concluded that the blasphemy case against Aasia Bibi has been registered on grounds of personal enmity and the story narrated in the FIR was made up and mala fide. The report recommends pardon for Aasia Bibi and provision of security to the woman and her family,” said Presidential Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar.

Aisa Bibi, a Christian woman, was convicted and sentenced to death under section 295 B and C of the Pakistan Penal Code by a lower court in district Sheikhupura on blasphemy charges.

Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti, while presenting the report, said people from minority communities know the consequences of blasphemy and can never think of committing such an offence.

UK: 'Respected' Muslim cleric jailed after molesting 15-year-old girl who he was supposed to be teaching the Qur'an

Judge Roger Hetherington said: "The parents of the child came to retain your services because they understood that you were a respected and indeed revered member of the community, who had, until recently, been an Imam to the mosque. On the jury's verdict and on abundant evidence, for whatever reason, you took advantage of that situation for your own sexual gratification."

Convicted for molesting a young girl:
Imam Hafiz Rahamn

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Daily Mail | UK
By Daily Mail Reporter | November 21, 2010

A Muslim cleric has been jailed for a year after sexually assaulting a young girl while he was meant to be teaching her the Qur'an.

Hafiz Rahman, 67, was paid by families to teach their children after stepping down as a respected Imam.

He went to the 15-year-old victim's home and molested her when they were left alone.

Imam: Hafiz Rahman, 67, had memorised the Qur'an and had been a respected Muslim cleric before being jailed for a year

A judge described the attack as the 'worst breach of trust imaginable' and said he believed it would have continued if the girl's father had not unexpectedly returned home.

A jury of eight men and six women at Portsmouth Crown Court took less than two hours to find Rahman guilty of sexual activity with a child.

UK: Sadiq Khan full interview on the Ahmadiyya hate campaign

"If you read the [Ahmadiyya’s allegations of hate crime] dossier, it’s not just in Wandsworth, but in Walsall, in Birmingham, in other parts of the country, there is clearly a campaign to incite hatred against this group of people. Whether that crosses the criminal threshold, that is for the police."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Wimbledon Guardian | UK
By Omar Oakes | November 25, 2010

In his first interview about the hate campaign being waged against the Ahmadiyya community in south London, Tooting MP and shadow Justice Secretary, Sadiq Khan, talks to Omar Oakes about what has happened and what he is doing to stop it escalating.

Is there a hate campaign going on against the Ahmadiyya community?

"If you read the [Ahmadiyya’s allegations of hate crime] dossier, it’s not just in Wandsworth, but in Walsall, in Birmingham, in other parts of the country, there is clearly a campaign to incite hatred against this group of people. Whether that crosses the criminal threshold, that is for the police."

What’s the latest you’ve heard about the police investigation?

"The police complete a report to send to the CPS who will decide whether or not to prosecute. There’s two criteria with the CPS. One, does it satisfy the evidential burden of more than 50 per cent chance of a successful prosecution? Two, is it in the public interest to prosecute. They have said it doesn’t, so they’re not going to prosecute.

Pakistan: Bill to amend blasphemy laws submitted in NA secretariat

Is this a real repeal of the Blasphemy Laws? - Sherry Rehman proposes only certain changes. In that  the death sentence (Pakistan Penal Code 295 C) be reduced to a 10-year imprisonment. The Bill also recommends that the life imprisonment (section 295 B) be substituted with a five-year imprisonment sentence.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Express Tribune
By Express | November 26, 2010

Sherry Rehman has submitted a private member bill seeking amendments

ISLAMABAD: Former minister for information and Pakistan Peoples Party legislator Sherry Rehman on Thursday submitted a private member bill in the National Assembly Secretariat seeking amendments to the country’s contentious blasphemy laws.

Rehman proposes that the death sentence (Pakistan Penal Code 295 C) be reduced to a 10-year imprisonment and recommends that the life imprisonment (section 295 B) be substituted with a five-year imprisonment sentence.

The move which is likely to incur the wrath of the country’s religious circles has been under discussion for a long time but up till now, no legislator dared to formally submit any such law due to the matter’s sensitive nature.

Pakistani clerics issue Apostasy decree against Gov. Taseer for helping blasphemy convict

Almi Jamaat Ahle Sunnat in an emergency meeting has issued a fatwa (Edict), declaring Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer as ‘apostate’ for raising his voice to free blasphemy convict Asia and implementing the western conspiracy against the blasphemy laws in the country. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Pak Tribune | PNS
By Tribune | November 25, 2010

Helping Christian Asia Bibi is a dangerous undertaking

LAHORE: Religious parties’ agitation against government’s efforts to release blasphemy convict Asia Masih to send her to the US and to amend blasphemy law gained momentum on Wednesday, while a party also issued an apostasy decree against Governor Salman Taseer.

More demonstrations were held in many cities of the Punjab which demanded dismissalof Punjab Governor Salman Taseer who had initiated secret efforts to extradite the culprit. Tahaffuz Namoos-e-Risalat Mahaz (TNRM), a conglomerate of two dozen religious parties from Barelvi school of thought, staged a peaceful protest outside the Governor’s House on Wednesday and warned of a fierce anti-government movement if Asia was sent abroad or attempts to change blasphemy law continued under this garb.

Faith and Country: They Protect Our Heritage - Thanks For Serving

Our veterans have sacrificed their life, time, wealth and honor for the sake of their nation. This has been their greatest gift that they have given to us. It has inspired all of us to do better and give back ourselves to this country as well.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Aegis | Opinion-Editorial
By Ahmed Khan | November November 11, 2010

In 1779, while navigating the Bonhomme Richard - a 42 gun rebuilt American Navy merchant ship - Scottish Born American Captain John Paul Jones tried relentlessly to lock onto a 50-gun British Frigate, HMS Serapis. The Bonhomme was taking on water and fire broke out in different parts of the ship and the counter British forces tried to coerce Captain John Paul Jones to put his flag down. Captain Jones retorted, “I have not yet begun to fight”. Captain Jones words echoed the sentiment that America stood for freedom from all forms of tyranny and that a foreign power cannot jeopardize its security.

I think about the character Captain John Paul Jones brought to this nation and then I look at my cousin Lt. Mahmood Sarwar, a Pakistani born, American-Muslim who has been serving in the Navy since 2005.

Faith and Practice: Voice of the People | Giving thanks

As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I am thankful that I am a citizen of this great country where I can practice my faith without any restriction. Sadly, many so-called Islamic governments in the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia would not grant me this protection.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Sun | San Bernardino
By Sufyan Farooqi | November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving is one holiday that everyone, no matter their faith, can fully appreciate. To express appreciation to God and man is something Islam teaches and I think it's great Thanksgiving affords me this opportunity every year.

As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I am thankful that I am a citizen of this great country where I can practice my faith without any restriction. Sadly, many so-called Islamic governments in the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia would not grant me this protection.

So this Thanksgiving, I am thankful to all those who have afforded me the rights the First Amendment grants America's citizens.

I am truly thankful and proud that I am an American Muslim - a proud Muslimerican.

SUFYAN FAROOQI
Chino



Read original post here: Voice of the People | Giving thanks