Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – Social discrimination, the controversial blasphemy law, and the status of religious freedom in Pakistan are now coming into the spotlight. International NGOs like Amnesty International and Christian Solidarity Worldwide are getting involved in the Asia Bibi case. The U.S. State Department in their annual report on religious freedom, published yesterday, recorded an increase in the rate of violence against religious minorities in Pakistan.
Today Amnesty International has joined the campaign for Asia Bibi. In an appeal to President Ali Zardari, Amnesty asks that he “use his powers under article 45 of the Constitution to commute the death sentence” thus, the immediate release of Asia Bibi. Amnesty expresses concern about the fact that “the blasphemy laws are used indiscriminately against religious minorities and Muslims." They demand its abolition, calling for respect for the commitment to review and improve the "laws detrimental to religious harmony," approved a year ago by Prime Minister Gilani. Finally, it promotes an "immediate moratorium on all executions in the country."
In a statement sent to Fides, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), committed to the protection of Christians in the world, notes the “continued abuse of the blasphemy laws and the underlying weaknesses in Pakistan’s justice system.”
CSW reports an increase in cases of false accusations and complains that the lower courts “are susceptible to manipulation and intimidation from local groups." They also note that the sentences are often overturned on appeal, “but many await a decision in prison, such as Waji ul-Hassan, a Christian who has been on death row since 2002.” Here, prisoners risk torture and violence precisely because they have been accused of blasphemy. The text continues: “Deeply-rooted problems of prejudice, inefficiency, corruption, and under-resourcing are amplified in blasphemy cases, and even more so for religious minorities.”
The Report on International Religious Freedom, published by the U.S. State Department on November 18, states that the attacks in Pakistan, as well as the organized violence, suffered by religious minorities is on the rise. "Security forces and other government agencies did not adequately prevent or address societal abuse against minorities," says the text. “Discriminatory legislation and the government's failure or delay in addressing religious hostility by societal actors fostered religious intolerance, acts of violence, and intimidation against religious minorities.” The report points out that a national sub-committee was created for the revision of the blasphemy law but that, despite some steps of the government, social tensions remains high and discrimination is widespread. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2010)
