Asia Bibi: Pakistani-American committee calls for mercy now
Lahore (AsiaNews) – Pakistanis living in the United States have joined human rights groups in urging the government to release Asia Bibi and reconsider the laws that discriminate against minorities. “We condemn the abuse of the blasphemy law and request President Asif Ali Zardari not to accede to the threats made by certain religious groups and award imminent clemency to Asia Bibi,” said the Islamabad representative of the Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee (PAPAC), an umbrella organisation representing a dozen groups.
In a recent meeting of its executive board, the Christian League of Pakistan also “strongly condemned the victimisation of innocent people under the blasphemy law”, reminding the government that “the entire world is awaiting a sane decision in the Asia Bibi case”.
The group noted that President Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Human rights activist Asma Jehanghir and Punjab Governor Salman Taseer have all concluded that Asia Bibi is innocent.
“This law encourages certain elements” who want to “institutionalize intolerance in the name of religion and spread social persecution and legal discrimination,” PAPAC’s Islamabad chapter observed. “As it stands, this law with its ambiguity harms Pakistan and its citizens.”
The group urged the larger society in Pakistan to educate the masses of the virtue of tolerance.
“Pakistanis must start a meaningful and focused dialogue to look at how the blasphemy laws are being abused and thus violating the basic premise of their creation—to protect minorities.”
PAPAC also asked Pakistan’s legislators to amend and remove ambiguity and legal discrimination from sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which include the blasphemy provisions.
A leading US human rights group also called on Pakistan’s government to abolish the blasphemy law and other discriminatory legislation.
However, the Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaaf (PTI) held a press conference in Lahore on Tuesday. PTI Vice President Ejaz Chaudhry and secretary Information Omar Sarfaraz Cheema said that the principle of Namoos-e-Risalat (Respect of the Prophet) was mandatory for all Muslims.
The party has always supported Article 295-C (blasphemy law) but has also made an effort to avoid its misuse.
The PTI criticised the governor of Punjab, saying that it did not support his irresponsible statements on the issue of blasphemy. Nevertheless, it did recognise that Muslims have an obligation to protect the rights of minorities in a Muslim society, and that it would continue to strive for their just rights. However, it insisted that article 295-C should stay as part of the constitution.
It urged ulemas, scholars, parliamentarians and members of minorities to work together to find a solution so that no innocent person is implicated under this law.
In the meantime, the number of people signing up to the campaign launched by AsiaNews on behalf of Asia Bibi continues, with almost 8,000 people adding their name to the petition. To join, write to Salviamoasiabibi@asianews.it
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