Source/Credit: Pakistan Christian Post
By PCP | December 9, 2011
Ajax, Ontario: Mr. Raymond Durrani, Leader of Central Council of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have lauded motion of Canadian Parliament to press upon government of Pakistan to release Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five, sentenced to death on accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan.
In a message to Prime Minister and members of the Parliament and Senate of Canada, Mr. Raymond Durrani said “Firstly, please allow us to thank the respectable members of the house of Parliament and the upper house of Senate of Canada for supporting a cause which is worth supporting. Secondly, we believe that finally it is sinking in the minds of the members that causes like these must not be ignored and for that we at Pakistan Christian Congress commend you wholeheartedly”
In a press note Canadian officials determined “That, the House of Commons joins the Senate of Canada in calling upon the Government of Pakistan to immediately release Ms. Asia Bibi, to ensure her safety and well-being, to hear the outcry of the international community and to respect the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
Bob Dechert, Member for Mississauga-Erindale (CPC) invited attention of House and said “Mr. Speaker, last November, the Minister of Foreign Affairs issued a statement concerning Asia Bibi's incarceration in Pakistan under its blasphemy law. At the time, the Government of Canada registered its concerns with Pakistan at the highest levels. We have also called on the Government of Pakistan to repeal laws criminalizing blasphemy which restrict religious freedom and expression and target religious minorities”
Mr. Bob Dechert in his speech said “We remember the brave stance taken by Governor Taseer and Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, both of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their promotion of the rights of religious minorities, tolerance and legal reforms. The promotion and protection of human rights are an integral part of Canada's foreign policy. Canada continues to stand up for human rights and takes principled positions on important issues to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law” Bob Dechert called on Pakistan to release Ms. Bibi and to ensure equal rights and equal protection for all members of minority communities.
Addressing the House, Phil McColeman, Member for Brant (CPC) said “Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I am deeply concerned over the sentencing of a woman to death for blasphemy in Pakistan. Asia Bibi was sentenced to death by a local court on November 8. I hope that this judgment and any others like it will be swiftly struck down on appeal.
He added “My colleague, Senator Salma Ataullahjan, who has been visiting Pakistan, registered Canada's concerns with the sentencing of Asia Bibi in a meeting with the Pakistani foreign minister”
Canada has repeatedly urged the Government of Pakistan to repeal laws criminalizing blasphemy which restrict freedom of religion and of expression. These laws are objectionable in them but have also disproportionately targeted religious minorities.
The Canadian parliamentarian vowed that Canadian officials will continue to encourage federal and provincial authorities in Pakistan to respect Pakistan's international human rights obligations and to ensure the safety and well-being of all of its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
The Pakistan Christian Congress leader said “Once again, we admire the courage of the members of the Canadian Parliament and members of the Canadian Senate and thank them from the bottom of our hearts. We really believe that someday members of the Christian Nation in Pakistan would enjoy the same freedom and rights in their own country as the Canadians and citizens of other countries around the world feel and smell every minute of each day in their respective countries”
Read original post here: Pakistan: Canadian Parliament demands release of Asia Bibi sentenced to death on blasphemy
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