Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Fides Service) - The July 7 terrorist attacks in London brought religious fundamentalism in Pakistan once again to the attention of international media. The government of Paksitan promised to exert stricter control on schools of Islam madrase since it was known that one of the suicide bombers involved in the London tragedy trained at an Islamic school in Pakistan. The Pakistan authorities say they intend to uproot extremism from schools of Islam where young boys and men are often incited by teachers to engage in a Jihad holy war against the West..
President Pervez Musharraf - who narrowly escaped various attacks on his life because of his alliance with the United States- has ordered police to increase surveillance on Isalmic militant organisations which spread hatred. Many of these organisations were formed in Afghanistan during the war with the Soviet Union and under the Taleban regime.
Persisting Taleban influence is visible in Pakistan. On 15 July North West Frontier Province approved a Hasbah Bill to reinforce Islamisation of local government, laws, administration and culture.
The Bill was approved by the Muttahida Majill-e-Amal party, a coalition of radical Islamic parties which governs the Province. The bill was strongly opposed by other parties, human rights activists and Christian leaders. “The province is being Talebanised”, an alarmed local Catholic who asked to remain un-named told Fides. The law Islamises norms and customs: even the appointment of governors and mayors will be subject to religious approval. We hope the law will not be applied and that it will be abolished. The central government of Pakistan said it intends to appeal against the Bill to the Supreme Court. The first hearing is set for 25 July. With many other sections of civil society we firmly support the government’s campaign”.
Shaabaz Batti head of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance said “this is a real threat to minorities: for religious extremism we will always be targets. The Hasbah Bill encourages religious terrorism precisely at this moment of international tension. The Bill is contrary to the Constitution of Pakistan”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/7/2005 righe 27 parole 298)
