Concern shown over misuse of blasphemy law against minorities | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Concern shown over misuse of blasphemy law against minorities

Pakistan Press Foundation

LAHORE: The participants at a panel discussion organised by South Asia Partnership (SAP)-Pakistan with members of Punjab Assembly and civil society organisations stressed the need of implementing constitutional and international guarantees protecting the rights of religious minorities.

Panel discussion was held at a local hotel where member National Commission on Status of Women Tanveer Jahan, Bishop Munawwar Rumal Shah Director Center for Human Rights Education Samson Salamat, Members Punjab Assembly Shamila Aslama, Shunila Ruth and others members of different organisations were present. Commenting on hate material, educational curriculum and use of loud speakers, the participants suggested a total ban on the use of loud speakers other than Azaan (prayer call). The participants also expressed concerns about the blasphemy laws which are generally used against the religious minorities.

Member National Commission on Status of Women Tanveer Jahan said that before introducing some legislative changes, it was necessary to introduce some administrative and policy changes aiming it protecting the rights of minorities which already guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan. She also shared that though 18th constitutional amendment provided more autonomy to federating units and it introduced other good points too, but there was no minority representation ensured during the drafting of this important piece of legislation.

Bishop Munawwar Rumal Shah said that protection was not his community issue; rather they wanted the rights for those who were eligible as a human being. He said that the literacy rate among minorities was lower and one of the reasons behind it was nationalisation of schools belonging to Christian minorities and they must be handed over to them.

Director Center for Human Rights Education Samson Salamat said that the people elected on reserved seats for religious minorities were not the representative of the religious minorities and political parties must award tickets to religious minorities to contest direct election.

Daily Times


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