Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – The blasphemy law transfers the power of the State into the hands of Islamic extremists, Fides was told by the Episcopal National Commission for Justice and Peace in Pakistan, issuing “the alarm for the respect of freedom of conscience and religion in Pakistan.” The latest case which has caused a sensation in the Country is the conviction of a Muslim student, put behind bars for blasphemy after a complaint by a teacher at his school in Karachi, because of sentences written during a test at school. The case has raised further discussion on the controversial legislation, which the Pakistani Government confirmed that it does not want to abolish or amend.
Peter Jacob, Executive Secretary of the Commission, remarked to Fides that he has noticed growing concern in Pakistani civil society due to the “|weak democracy, discriminatory laws, an inadequate system of public education, a feudal mentality, and deprivation of citizens' rights.”
On the other hand “a strict interpretation of State sovereignty and the process of Islamisation of the Constitution achieved in the 70s and 80s have resulted in the subordination of human rights to Islamic clerics and fueled religious intolerance,” he told Fides. For this, notes Jacob, “we need to reaffirm that freedom of thought, conscience and religion are cornerstones for the life of the nation.”
The Commission, together with numerous other organisations in civil society, united in the “Citizens for Democracy” network, will work for the “promotion of democratic values, based on the sovereignty of citizens.” “We call the Government to condemn and oppose every form of religious extremism and intolerance, and to adopt concrete measures, laws and strategies to eliminate the terrorism,” concludes Peter Jacob. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/2/2011)
