Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Fides Service) - Abolish discriminatory laws; promote respect for minority rights, human rights and freedoms especially freedom of conscience and religion; equal dignity for women; more democratic participation for the people: these are the paths towards prosperity and harmony for the nation Pakistani Religious leaders said in a recent statement: “A Vision for a Better Pakistan” issued by Christians, Muslims, Ahmads and Bahais who took part in a recent Forum, including the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Pakistan Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha, Archbishop of Lahore.
One of the first points discussed was the request to abolish the blasphemy law. The Commission for Justice and Peace of the Bishops’ Conference said that since 1987 at least 148 Muslims, 208 Ahmads, 75 Christians and 8 Hindus had been charged unjustly with blasphemy.
Article 295/c of Pakistan’s Code of Penal law, know as the blasphemy law, condemns anyone who, in word or writing, acts, or visible representations with direct or indirect insinuations, insult the holy name of the Prophet”. The punishment can be life imprisonment.
The Church in Pakistan and leaders of other religious minorities have often denounced wrong use of the law often used to strike adversaries in personal disputes.
The leaders call for more protection for religious minorities and the urge the government to improve security pursuing criminals with greater decision and instituting a Permanent Independent Commission to protect minority rights.
Another essential right, the leaders underline, is to guarantee women’s rights and school curriculum based on the idea of a secular state multi-religious and multi-cultural: study of religion cannot be compulsory it must be an optional subject.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 1/6/2004 lines 31 words 351)
