Pakistan: Blasphemy law critic goes into hiding

Punjab governor Salman Taseer was assassinated in January first week by his own bodyguard for “committing blasphemy”. Extremists have also threatened Ms Rehman with the same fate.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Deccan Chronicle
By DC Correspondent | January 18th, 2011

Islamabad: Pakistan’s liberal legislator, Ms Sherry Rehman, has gone underground to save her life after advocating amendments in the blasphemy law.

Ms Rehman had moved a bill in the National Assembly seeking amendments to the blasphemy law. She had also appeared on television channels favouring such amendments which are being vehemently opposed by religious parties and groups in the country.

Punjab governor Salman Taseer was assassinated in January first week by his own bodyguard for “committing blasphemy”. Extremists have also threatened Ms Rehman with the same fate.

Some religious groups had issued fatwa (religious decree) demanding her death.

A joint pamphlet was also issued by all components of the Tahafuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat (protectors of Prophethood’s dignity) against her in Karachi.


At a recent public meeting in Karachi, where leaders of all religious parties participated, demands were made to ensure withdrawal of Ms Rehman’s Bill in the National Assembly.

Some reports suggested that she left the country on instruction from the interior minister, Mr Rehman Malik. She is reportedly in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Prime Minister, Mr Yousaf Raza Gilani, categorically said on Monday that the government had no plans to amend the blasphemy law.

“Neither we had thought of it nor we are going to do it. The blasphemy law will stay as it is,” Mr Gilani said.

He said those who were saying that a committee has been formed to amend the blasphemy law were wrong, adding, “no such committee has been formed”.



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