Blasphemy Law: London rally for Pakistan

This year [event] will include a one-minute silence for the former Pakistani Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, who was shot dead in March. He had previously received death threats after pushing for the reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Religious Intelligence
By Matt Cresswell | June 19, 2011

A PROTEST march against Pakistan’s draconian Blasphemy Laws is planned for London on 2 July.

Supported by the former Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, the march will begin in Knightsbridge and head towards Downing Street. In Pakistan, anyone who insults Islam could be subject to a death sentence under current laws.

A statement from the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA), said: “This year the date is held on 2 July to commemorate the martyrdom of Sajid and Wajid Masih, the two pastors shot dead after being acquitted of a false blasphemy charge in Faisalabad. They were arrested on 2 July 2010.”


Last year the event was held on July 31 to commemorate an attack on Gojra in which nine people were killed, 100 homes were razed and two churches destroyed. This year will include a one-minute silence for the former Pakistani Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, who was shot dead in March. He had previously received death threats after pushing for the reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

Those supporting the event include Bishop Dr Michael Nazir Ali, Stuart Windsor (Christian Solidarity Worldwide), Imam Dr Hargey (Oxford Islamic Congregation), Pastor Hari Kaul (Wolverhampton Asian Christian Fellowship), Andrea Minichiello-Williams (Director of Christian Concern) and Alan Craig (Christian Peoples Alliance) among others.


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