Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – The Church in Pakistan welcomes with great hope the international petition launched Aid to the Church in Need in France, to abolish the blasphemy law. The petition continues to gather support and has already reached about 3,000 signatures.
Peter Jacob, Executive Secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, tells Fides: "This initiative is truly welcomed. We are really happy; it's a breath of fresh air for us. For years we have been working for a total abolition of this law and we have initiated a petition in Pakistan. Among other things, we are concerned because it seems that in other countries, especially Islamic ones, they are debating whether to enact laws like this. We need to create greater awareness in the international community. Hopefully, with this initiative we can move public opinion in Europe. Recently, the European Parliament adopted a resolution that calls for protection of minorities and religious freedom in Pakistan. We hope that the pressures of civil society in Pakistan and abroad serve to bring about action in the Pakistani government.”
Currently, the executive is in absolute immobility: "In principle, the government says it wants to defend the innocent citizens who suffer the effects of this law, but, in practice, it does nothing as a result of the influence of Islamic extremist groups," Jacob tells Fides. "We hope for the international success of this petition," he concludes.
Francis Mehboob Sada, a Catholic, is Director of the Christian Study Center in Rawalpindi. The Center is an ecumenical place of documentation, study, and reflection, known for its work of monitoring and reporting on the plight of Christians in Pakistan and for its engagement in interreligious dialogue. Mehboob Sada commented to Fides: "I'll sign the petition and gladly joined the campaign. There is a great need to repeal this law that, since 1986, has affected over 50,000 people and has registered more than 1,000 convictions. The victims are of all religions: Muslims, Christians, Ahmadis, and other minorities. This is why there is a transversal movement calling for its abolition. It includes Christians, civil society groups, organizations for human rights, and even many moderate Muslim groups. Only a few extremist factions continue to support it. The Pakistani Parliament has established an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and submit proposals. But, the only valid proposal is its possible abolition. We should recall that from 1947 (the year of Pakistan's independence) to 1986 (year of the promulgation of the law) there were no cases of blasphemy in Pakistan. This law creates disharmony in society and affects the innocent." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/6/2010)
