Blasphemy laws "Pakistan does not need this law"

A meeting called by the government, Christians and activists have called for the "cancellation" of the norm. Government officials will meet Muslim, and Catholic leaders and activists to promote a common path. The fundamentalist wing calls for "investigations" and punishments against those who fight to repeal the law.


Interfaith Dailogue meeting with Muslim community in Swati Phatak, Peshawar. From Left to Right: Imtiaz Gill, Leonard Dsouza and Wasim Pervez. Leonard Dsouza explained that "Pakistan does not need this law" that has caused "damage to the lives and property of people" as well as "given a bad image the country abroad".

The abolition of the blasphemy law in Pakistan. This is what Christians have asked delegates and members of civil society, in a meeting with the government officials. The meeting was organized at the initiative of the Pakistani government, which called for "suggestions" from Christians and activists to improve the rights of minorities. "A positive step," says a Christian activist Nosheen D’souza, but "the road is still long."

The Christian activists Leonard and Nosheen explained that "Pakistan does not need this law" that has caused "damage to the lives and property of people" as well as "given a bad image the country abroad".

According to the both researchers necessary steps include: implement changes in textbooks, school curricula, using media and events to promote interfaith dialogue. Only then will "respect for the holy figures" of Islam be reinforced without the need for a shameful law, that has been a harbinger of violence and persecution. They stresses that "the influential Islamic lobby" in the country, is contrary to the cancellation of the rule on blasphemy. These extremist groups "have protested and requested the opening of" investigations on charges of blasphemy "against" those who spoke negatively of the law and call for its repeal. "

They concluded - the government is weak due to pressure from fundamentalists." But if it finds the "courage to continue in this direction," it will bring the country back to "the early '80s, before the law was introduced”.