Pakistan to move UN, OIC for anti-blasphemy laws

* PM says government will fight on all diplomatic fronts to stop evil forces in world from all kinds of anti-Islam actions

KARACHI: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Saturday announced that the government would fight on all diplomatic fronts to stop the evil forces in the world from all kinds of anti-Islam actions like the recent blasphemous film.

Raja was addressing a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House for distributing cheques among the heirs of the deceased and the injured of the factory fire incident in Baldia Town.

The prime minister reiterated his demand from United Nations and other international organisations to come up with an effective legislation against all kinds of anti-Islam acts which harm the co-existence and harmony among the followers of different religions.

“We would go to the UN and OIC and get a law passed to stop anti-Islam activities, including blasphemy, for-ever,” he added. The prime minister said the Muslims have respect and reverence for all prophets and messengers of God and also other religions in the world. The Muslims expect that followers of other religions would reciprocate in the same way, he added. It was time to wage a diplomatic war with full sincerity and commitment until the international community is convinced to take concrete action including due legislation against all kinds of anti-Islam activities that provoke the sentiments of the Muslim world, Raja said.

The prime minister said that President Asif Ali Zardari would raise the blasphemy issue in his address at the UN General Assembly after two days. The president would convey sentiments and the views of people of Pakistan who are seriously hurt by such acts of hatred and disrespect for Islam. He said the US ambassador in Islamabad was summoned by the Foreign Office and strong protest was lodged with him over the blasphemous film made by a US citizen.

Raja said that for the first time in the country’s history, a day was declared at state level to show love and respect for holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, he also regretted that miscreants distorted this nationwide peaceful protest and resorted to violence leading to loss of life and property in various cities of the country. This would certainly have pleased the enemies of Islam and our country, he added.

Raja said, “Yesterday’s reaction has sent negative message to the world and weakened our country’s position on this serious issue of blasphemy.” He appealed to clerics to stress for peaceful protests.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Khosa, Federal Minister for Disaster Management Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan, Federal Minister for Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Federal Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Sindh Assembly Deputy Speaker Syeda Shehla Raza, Sindh ministers, members in National Assembly (MNAs) and Sindh Assembly MPAs, politicians, besides families of the factory fire victims, were present during the ceremony. app

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