ASIA/PAKISTAN - Christians, moderate Muslims and human rights activists applaud government decision not to mark religious identity on passports

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Lahore (Fides Service) - Christians, human rights activities and civil rights associations have welcomed the Pakistani government’s decision to exclude religious identity from national passports on the grounds that it would have fostered religious discrimination, intolerance and prejudice in society.
Waseem Anthony, head of the interreligious Lahore Commission for Peace and Human Development said the decision is another good move after religious discrimination was removed from Pakistan’s voting system. Previously citizens were only allowed to vote for candidates of their respective religion. However he pointed out that for the benefit of the whole of society laws with regard to school curricula and the blasphemy, still need to be removed.
He said the Commission appreciated steps taken by the doctrine of “enlightened moderation” started by President Musharraf who is working to eliminate all trace of religious prejudice and hatred from Pakistan society.
The Commission, whose members are Christians and Muslims, is a registered NGO which promotes human rights and minority rights. It often works together with the Justice and Peace Commission of the Pakistan Bishops’ Conference. It did so recently in the battle to abolish the blasphemy law.
Waseem Anthony said that to uproot intolerance it is necessary to rebuild peace and reconciliation starting at grass level with a network of organisations, movements and groups. He also stressed the importance of promoting a moderate and enlightened mentality to counter the threat of terrorism and religious intolerance. (Fides Service 9/11/2004 EM lines 32 Words: 321)


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