Gilani rules out blasphemy law amendment

[Asif Amin]

http://tribune.com.pk/story/105578/g...law-amendment/


ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday reiterated that the controversial blasphemy law will not be amended. He was addressing the “Ulema and Mashaikh Conference 2011” in Islamabad.

Gilani denied that a committee has been formed to amend the blasphemy law. He said Islam stresses inter-faith harmony and tolerance, adding that there was a need to “promote patience” in society.

The premier said beliefs cannot be enforced on anyone and urged the clerics to represent the true meaning of Islam. He said laws should be implemented to ensure provision of rights.

“We are not in the favour of amendment in the blasphemy law, but we are not in favour of misuse of the law either…and it does not matter what law it is,” Gilani added.

Prime Minister Gilani said any acts of violence bring bad name to the religion and are seen unfavourably in the West. He said it also makes the lives of Pakistanis abroad miserable. Therefore it is vital that Islam is portrayed in the right perspective and is not distorted, he said.

Gilani urged for closer collaboration between scholars of different religions for better understanding and to bring peace and tranquillity.

Religious leaders spoke about Islam’s universal message of peace, love and tolerance and that it believed in peaceful coexistence with people of all religions. The speakers regretted distortion of the religion by certain vested interests and urged a deeper understanding of the Quran and Sunnah by all.
They said Islam did not differentiate between people of any caste, colour or creed.

Religious leaders were of the view that there were no two opinions about the honour and dignity accorded to Prophet Mohammad and pointed that the Quran and Sunnah were very clear about it. They said no one would be allowed to bring any changes in the blasphemy law.

Gilani has repeatedly ruled out any amendments to the blasphemy law. Earlier this month, he said the government had already ruled out any change to the law and the controversy surrounding the law should end.

The PPP disassociated itself from Taseer’s support of Aasia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for allegedly committing blasphemy, as well as MNA Sherry Rehman’s private member bill proposing amendments to the blasphemy law.
Earlier, Religious Affairs Minister Khursheed Shah had also said that the government had no intention of repealing the law.

[Asif Amin]

http://www.dawn.com/2011/01/18/govt-...w-says-pm.html

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minsiter Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday urged religious leaders to propagate the true interpretation of Islam and educate people about its teachings of tolerance and mutual respect for each other’s religions.

Addressing religious scholars at the “Ulema and Mashaikh Conference 2011” at the National Library here, Gilani reiterated that the government had no plans to amend the blasphemy law, but stressed that no law should be misused.

“We are not amending the blasphemy law,” Prime Minister Gilani said in response to the points raised by religious leaders during the conference.

Prime Minister Gilani said a committee was setup by the Pakistan People’s Party at the party level to see whether any legislation that is moved by its members has its endorsement.

He said religious leaders must not have any fear and apprehension that anything would be done contrary to Islam or its teachings by the present government.

On the sanctity of constitution and rule of law, Prime Minister said the law of the land must be adhered to.

“We are not in the favour of amendment in the blasphemy law, but we are not in favour of misuse of the law either…and it does not matter what law it is,” Gilani added.

Prime Minister Gilani said any acts of violence bring bad name to the religion and are seen unfavourably in the West. He said it also makes the lives of Pakistanis abroad miserable. Therefore it is vital that Islam is portrayed in the right perspective and is not distorted, he said.

Gilani urged for closer collaboration between scholars of different religions for better understanding and to bring peace and tranquility.

He rejected the notion that Islam was the cause behind the acts of terror and extremism and said in fact it was a religion of peace and abhorred violence. He said following of real teachings of Islam was the only way to get rid of the scourge of terrorism that had spread its tentacles across the globe.

He said his government believed in taking along all political forces and appreciated the opposition for being supportive of the government on all national issues.

Earlier, religious leaders spoke about Islam’s universal message of peace, love and tolerance and that it believed in peaceful coexistence with people of all religions. The speakers regretted distortion of the religion by certain vested interests and urged a deeper understanding of the Quran and Sunnah by all.

They said Islam did not differentiate between people of any caste, colour or creed.

Religious leaders were of the view that there were no two opinions about the honour and dignity accorded to Prophet Mohammad and pointed that the Quran and Sunnah were very clear about it. They said no one would be allowed to bring any changes in the blasphemy law.