Pakistan Coat of Arms Image via Wikipedia 
ASIA/PAKISTAN -
Asia Bibi and the anti-blasphemy campaign: the UN and Obama “follow the Pope”
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – That the new Government of Pakistan “is committed to the genuine respect of human rights throughout the Country and to protect the rule of law” is what the Masihi Foundation is calling for from the new Government of Pakistan – they said a statement made to Fides – after the reshuffle and the reduction in departments by Prime Minister Raza Gilani. The Foundation is involved in the defence and protection of religious minorities, and currently provides legal and material assistance to Asia Bibi, the first Pakistani woman sentenced to death on charges of blasphemy.
Within the Government, the Minister for Religious Minorities has been approved, but his work will be rather difficult: “What can Minister Shahbaz Bhatti do to change the controversial blasphemy law, if his Government has openly said that it does not intend to lift a finger?” Haroon Barket Masih, president of the Masihi Foundation told Fides. “Therefore, there is a stalemate. We appeal to the international community, to the United Nations, the United States and Europe to look carefully at the conditions for minorities in Pakistan and to put pressure on the Pakistani Government until it encourages full respect for human rights. We hope that Heads of State, like President Obama and the European leaders, will follow the example of Pope Benedict XVI who has spoken out in favour of Asia Bibi and the abolition of the iniquitous blasphemy law.”On the other hand, sources in Pakistan report to Fides that Mr Bhatti, in the role since 2008, has contributed in this short time and despite the difficulties, to maintaining the public's attention on the status of religious minorities and he has promoted several favourable initiatives. He has succeeded in reserving 5% of government departmental posts for minorities and four seats in the Senate; he has received official recognition for religious feast days; he has built non-Muslim prayer rooms in prisons; he has helped
Image via Wikipedia
Christians in the slums in their legal battles over property rights; given legal and material assistance to victims of violence and blasphemy laws; created “interreligious district committees” throughout the Country, to promote harmony and awareness of the issue of religious freedom; created, finally, a hotline to assist religious minorities in times of crisis. Recently, he has been directly involved in the case of Asia Bibi, saying in a report submitted to the President of Pakistan, Ali Zardari, that the woman has been falsely accused, the allegations based on personal animosity. He has also spoken out against the blasphemy law, calling for its review, and drawing death threats from radical Islamic groups. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/2/2011)
Zemanta helped me add links & pictures to this email. It can do it for you too.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please no anonymous comments. I require at least some way for people to address each other personally and courteously. Having some name or handle helps.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.