Weekly Summary: Pakistan (July 28, 2010)
Posted: July 28th, 2010, by Emma Villa“The one who is not with Me is against Me, and the one who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12: 30)
IN THIS ISSUE
PAKISTAN: Calls for repeal of blasphemy law
HOME GROUP PRAYER
PAKISTAN: Pray for Pakistan Minorities Minister.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti received warnings and threats of beheading from several Islamic parties after his critical comments on the country’s blasphemy laws. The Majil-e-Tahfuz-Hatim-Nabuwat (AMTKN), an international terrorist organisation, demanded his sacking and ousting from the Federal Cabinet and National Assembly if he insists on repealing the blasphemy laws.The threats came following a press conference held by Bhatti in response to the murder of two Christian brothers Pastor Rashid Emmanuel, 32, and Sajid Emmanuel, 30. They were accused of writing a pamphlet containing blasphemous remarks and were gunned down while were being taken out of court by police. Their funeral on July 20 was held early in the morning to avert further Christian/Muslim clashes.Bhatti called for the repeal of the laws, saying no one was allowed to follow the law of the jungle, killing innocent people based on false accusation, as it was for the courts to try and decide cases under the relevant laws. Bhatti also said that a hotline providing an avenue to speedy justice for religious minorities will be set up soon, with round-the-clock connections to police stations, hospitals and other relevant places.Earlier, Bhatti had announced plans to introduce amendments aimed to stop the misuse of the blasphemy laws, saying his Ministry would seek legislation against hate-literature and hate-crimes while those who laid false charges which endangered the lives of others, should be punished.The blasphemy law was Introduced in the 1980’s by the military dictator President General Zia to garner support from religious extremists. Continue reading »


