Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - Abuses against religious minorities, human rights, religious freedom, the blasphemy law: these are the hot spots and issues of "serious concern" that Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, should deal with during her visit to Pakistan that begins today, June 5: this is the appeal launched through Fides, by the "Human Rights Commission of Pakistan" (HRCP), one of the leading Pakistani NGOs, widely rooted in the country, with offices in all provinces. The NGO is part of the network "Citizens for Democracy," which brings together numerous civil society groups and even the Commission "Justice and Peace" of the Pakistani Bishops. In an interview with Fides Agency, Zohra Yusuf, newly elected president of the HRCP, remarked: "We ask Ashton to raise in talks with the government, issues which are important to the country's democracy, such as the condition of religious minorities, which is degenerating . I refer to Christians and Hindus, but also to Muslim minorities like Shiites and Ahmadis, victims of sectarian violence." "Another important point - she continued - is that of extrajudicial killings, abductions and disappearances, which continue especially in Baluchistan." "Ashton should express the serious concern of Europe and the international community regarding the abuse of the blasphemy law, which affects the lives of many innocent people," remarked the President of the HRCP, confirming the request to abolish this unfair law. Even the international NGO "Human Rights Watch" (HRW), in an open letter sent to Fides Agency, asks Ashton that the European Union has to tackle the serious challenges to human rights in Pakistan. Ali Dayan Hasan, director of HRW office in Pakistan remarked: "Ashton should communicate to the Pakistani authorities that putting an end to the culture of abuse and discrimination is essential so that Pakistan can have a significant relationship with the European Union. The HRW highlights the problems of religious freedom, freedom of expression and death penalty. The Pakistani government declared a moratorium on capital punishment in 2008 and since then there have been no executions, but civil society calls for the complete abolition of the death penalty. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 05/06/2012)
