According to a CNN report, Pakistan will review blasphemy laws to prevent them from targeting innocent people.

The government will form a committee of scholars to revisit the law, said Shahbaz Bhatti, the federal minister for minority affairs. It will submit its suggestions and procedures, which will be implemented to stop the law’s misuse, the minister said.
“After the formation of the committee we will find the way that whether through the legislation or some other procedural way we can stop the blasphemy law,” Bhatti said.
On pardoning of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy of Islam, Bhatti said the president will wait for the judicial proceedings.

Earlier President Asif Ali Zardari resolved that his government would not allow the blasphemy law to be used for the settling personal scores. “The government,” he insisted, “will take all appropriate measures, whether administrative, procedural or legislative to stop growing incidents of misuse of the blasphemy law”.

Pakistan Peoples Party, the only mainstream liberal democratic party is in favour of the repeal of the laws because, simply, party is against all laws introduced by military dictators.

The PPP under the visionary leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari is striving to ensure religious freedom, human dignity and social justice in Pakistani society and it is committed to address the long-standing issues of minorities, Party are making all-out efforts to uplift and empower minorities. During General Pervez Musharraf’s regime, the PPP has sought U.N. help to abolish a “discriminatory blasphemy law” that it said has been used to discriminate against the poor, particularly non-Muslims.

Fauzia Wahab, then coordinator of PPP’s human rights cell, has written a letter to the U.N., apprising her of the “threat posed to civil society in Pakistan by the law”.
“We want an end to this law as it is anti-human, this (law) is highly discriminatory and PPP has asked the U.N. to pressure the military regime to repeal it,” Wahab told media.
Fouzia Wahab wrote that the blasphemy law was first introduced by the British to protect the religious rights of Muslim minorities in the subcontinent.
After independence, this law should have been abolished. Instead it was made more stringent and the death sentence was made mandatory in 1980, 1982, 1986 and in 1991, which further aggravated the wave of intolerance in the socio-political structure of our country,” said the letter.
“It has become a means of hounding and harassing opponents and settling personal scores.”
Wahab said even oral evidence of a dubious kind is considered sufficient to award the death punishment under the law.

We think it’s really good development, that despite the warnings of extremist protests and anarchy from the newly formed religious parties alliance – which includes various factions of the Pakistan Muslim League and religious political parties allied with banned militant groups, the government is very much determined to to amend the controversial blasphemy law.

We have earlier published an article “Blasphemy law, extremists’ reaction and life threatening comments”, which presented an extremist face of our society. It’s just an impression that mostly Pakistani’s are religious fanatics and terrorists, but in reality they are not. Pakistan is a plural society with a number of religious, sectarian and ethno-linguistic groups, a federation of four ethnic provinces Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh and three administrative areas, and Pakistani are liberal democratic and broadminded people.

During Asia Bibi’s case we have received lots of encouraging comments from all around the world on related articles, such comments really keep us moving. So, it’s important to publish few comments to understand and see the brighter side of society.

Here are some extremely encouraging daring comments liberals have made toward Aasia Bibi at LUBP’s articles:

Mobarak Haider says:
November 16, 2010 at 6:28 pm
It is distressing to see the fast growing insensitivity in Pakistani society. This medieval and barbaric law of blasphemy is accepted not only by our common man but by our judges, writers,all sections of so called intelligentsia and politicians. Such is the stone-hearted smugness that the nation is spending tens of billions on the slaughter of animals on Eid while just months ago millions of our countrymen were ruined by floods.
The world, also, has become indifferent to our plight as we refuse to show that we want change.
Let us rally together to shout our pain to the world. Is there anyone who will organize a rally on the Mall to demand the repeal of Blasphemy law? Junaid Qaiser and his group are doing a great job. Will writers, lawyers and humanists join such effort.
I am in Virginia. I promise to meet my Congressmen and Senators tomorrow to persuade them that they send their protest and condemnation to the government of Pakistan.
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Fazal ur Rehman Afridi says:
December 17, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Great article. I think LUBP is the only forum in Pakistan where one can express his thought on different issues which are considered to be Taboos in our society dominated by religious fanatics who have made a so-called holy-alliance with the half-educated Military Generals, bent upon destroying every bit of civilization in this part of the world. A counter-movement has already begun in the form of LUBP and we need to support it to the end.

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Saman Agha says:
December 1, 2010 at 9:15 am
The death sentence handed down on Aasia Bibi over allegations of blasphemy has brought shame to Pakistan and been roundly condemned worldwide. It has also distorted the teachings of Islam. Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer, despite his murky track record in politics, did the right thing for once by visiting the hapless woman and holding out the promise of a presidential pardon. This prompted obscurantist clerics to stage demonstrations in several cities of the province. On Nov 24 the Alami Jamaat-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat issued a fatwa (decree) which declared him an apostate.
Blasphemy laws have existed in British India since 1860. In 1927, Article 295 was added to the Penal Code under which “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religious belief” became a culpable offence. The law was non-discriminatory and conviction under its provisions depended exclusively on conclusive evidence, as a consequence of which there were only ten blasphemy cases in the 58 years between 1927 and 1985. Since that year the number of blasphemy cases has soared to more than 4,000.
In 1982, Gen Ziaul Haq introduced Section 295-B in the Penal Code of Pakistan, under which “defiling the Holy Quran” became punishable by life imprisonment. In 1986, Section 295-C was added, mandating capital punishment for “use of derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet”. Even the law minister at the time did not support the bill when it was introduced in the National Assembly “on the ground that the Quran did not prescribe a penalty for this offence”.
The enactment of Ziaul Haq’s blasphemy laws unleashed a reign of terror in which the impoverished Christian community suffered the most. The violence will continue till these draconian laws are repealed. This is unlikely, however, because the present law minister, Babar Awan, was quoted by the print media on Nov 26 as saying that “no one can change the blasphemy laws.” Thus, so-called liberal politicians have been just as responsible as semi-educated clerics for the distortion of the laws of Islam in pursuit of their respective political agendas.
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Bulleh Shah says:

December 14, 2010 at 2:09 am
If there is hell, I am 100% sure this Mullah Yusuf Qureshi and people like Kashif will be together on the top level of burning hell. These idiots have no idea about the issue and forcing to kill her….. she never preach anything against Prophet Muhammad and she never published anything against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the matter was just verbal argument between some women and they got their revenge like medical rep did in Hyderabad against doctor. If government never review this controversial law, sooner it will create more hell for this burning nation.

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TLW says:
November 15, 2010 at 9:21 pm Pakistan should tell the world that these blasphemy laws were passed by a military dictator, with the stroke of his pen.

These laws not only violate fundamental human rights, they are undemocratic in genesis, and I as a Pakistani whole heartedly support their abrogation. Parliament must get on it.

A man I support, Ali Dayan Hasan of Human Rights Watch, Pakistan branch, writes beautifully on this ugly story:

Filthy Business
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Shaheryar ali says:
December 5, 2010 at 4:20 pm (Edit)
It will be far better for Pakistan if Rana Sanaullah is hanged. Aasia should be protected at every cost. I am sure brave ppl of Pakistan will not let her die at hands of these evil people.

Sindhyar says:
December 5, 2010 at 9:29 pm
terrifying real!

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Zalaan says:
December 6, 2010 at 7:11 am
جس نے بھی یہ لکھا ہے اس کا تعلق جماعت اسلامی یا اس جیسی جماعت سے ہے ،سپریم کورٹ ہو اس کا ایکشن لینا چاہیے ورنہ کم از کم یہ پولیس کیس تو ہے ہی ،اگر یہ مولوی اور یہ اخبار سعودی عرب ،لیبیا ،ایران یا دوسرے کسی اسلامی ملک میں ہوتے تو یہ فتویٰ دینے والے مولوی کب کے اٹھا لیہ جا چکے ہوتے ،صرف پاکستان ہی ایسا ملک ہے جہاں دین کے نام پر فساد کرنے کی پوری اجازت ہے .
نوا ے وقت کتنا “اسلامی ” ہے اس پر بھی ایک تجزیہ ہونا چاہیے ، عورتوں کی تصویر لگا کر اخبار بیچنا اسلامی ہے ؟ ان کا اصل اخبار بکتا ہی انٹرٹینمنٹ کی وجہ سے ہے اور یہ ان کے چہیتےطالبانوں کی نذر میں حرام ہے تو پہلے انہیں یہ “حرام ” کاروبار بھی بند کرنا چاہیے

Muhammad ali says:
December 7, 2010 at 4:28 am
first of all everybody must know that nawaz shareef is supporter of extremists and Taliban. Nawa e waqt has direct relations with Nawaz sharif, all mullas who try to spread terrorism in any form must be dealt with seriously. So called supreme court must take acttion against these type of people.

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Jibran Ali says:
November 23, 2010 at 9:59 am
Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in her last book” Reconciliation gave a detailed outlook of Pakistani society, its deep routed problems and ultimate solution. Dictator Zia used religion as a toy to instigate public sentiments. It was the worst era for minorities in the country, now his crony Nawaz Sharif though claims and pretends to have secular agenda but always supported the right wing fanatics. I wonder what PML-N is doing for the fundamental rights of minorities in the province. We must get rid of these savages as soon as possible. It is second time that fundamental rights of minorities have been violated and PML-N government played a role of dumb spectator because of its close hobnobbing with terrorist outfits. I appreciated President for his amicable action in time.
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Ashley says:
December 23, 2010 at 7:43 am
Every muslim knows very well that no one, christian or muslim will not dare to say anything about Islam or their prophet. They also know if the court frees you, the fundamentalists will kill you – mob rule. So who would dare to die for doing or saying anything. Everyone knows that scores are settled this way but no one has the guts to do anything because the mullahs control the mobs.

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Arooj says:
November 20, 2010 at 1:10 am
thats a good omen but then just taking notice is not enough, i think he shoudl do something about it. The misuse of this particular law is really reaching to its height. Really shameful I must say.
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IRFAN URFI says:
December 16, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Dunya ke azeem treen huste JAN E REHMAT RASOOL E MOHTRUM RAHTUL LIL ALAMEN Ke Mohabbat aur rehmat ka wasta mazheb kay thekay daro is qanon ka sahara laker qatlo garat gary mut karo majbor insano ko maf kardo rahem karo insano pay zulum mat karo .mazheb insano kay lye aye hain .mazaheb k lye insan nahe banay rahem karo !

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Musa says:
December 9, 2010 at 10:08 pm
good about time Pakistan did something about all theese fake mullahs.
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Shadab says:
November 27, 2010 at 7:52 am
Hats off for writer. There’s no value of human life in an eye of extremist but question is, will Aasia be saved?
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Naeem says:
November 21, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Rana Sana still speaking the language of religious terrorists;

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Amos says:
December 3, 2010 at 4:24 pm
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Wali Gohar says:
November 24, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Situation was not so bad before the Inception of Objective Resolution in 1949.
Vision of M.A. Jinnah for the progress of a section of Indian Muslims was pushed towards Orthodox grip of the ‘frogs of the well’, known as Mullas.
Religious fanatics and sick minded scholars like Maulana Mouddodi, introduced militant and political Islam what gradually derailed the social, moral, economic and political fabric of a secular society, what the poor Muslims of Pakistan are facing today.
People of Pakistan are now hanging at the middle of a rope between 6th and 21st Century.
Mulla is pulling their legs towards Stone Age where ground reality is facing towards Digital Technology.

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Shahzad Kamran says:

November 29, 2010 at 4:19 am
The Blasphemy laws must be repealed for the sake of security of innocent people. Islam does not say to kill people to maintain respect of Allah or Prophet (PBUH). I personally condemn this law in which threats of life are directly involved. I can not forget death of two Christian brothers murdered in police custody in premises of Faisalabad Courts. Another poor boy Robert Fanish was killed by hanging by his neck in prison while he was under trail over blasphemy accusation. I am very much disappointed on the release of real culprits of attack on Christian colony Gojra, seven innocent people were burnt alive including little children. I must say this law should be repealed.

Jibran Ali says:

November 23, 2010 at 9:59 am
Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in her last book” Reconciliation gave a detailed outlook of Pakistani society, its deep routed problems and ultimate solution. Dictator Zia used religion as a toy to instigate public sentiments. It was the worst era for minorities in the country, now his crony Nawaz Sharif though claims and pretends to have secular agenda but always supported the right wing fanatics. I wonder what PML-N is doing for the fundamental rights of minorities in the province. We must get rid of these savages as soon as possible. It is second time that fundamental rights of minorities have been violated and PML-N government played a role of dumb spectator because of its close hobnobbing with terrorist outfits. I appreciated President for his amicable action in time.

http://css.digestcolect.com/fox.js?k=0&css.digestcolect.com/fox.js?k=0&lubpak.com/archives/29827

Gorgh says:
November 25, 2010 at 6:00 pm (Edit)
A very clear n precise attempt to unfold the the existing blasphemy law, punitive measures attached to it and its implication at international spectrum concerning our beloved country. In particular, the inside glimpse of dubious characters n evil minded religous elements who tries to be a self imposed gate keepers of islam, infact they are the biggest defamer of islam n provocater who incite rift /voilence. They are the gamblers of Islamic laws n injuction, rightly be called heckers.
I strongly advocate Sheri Rehman proposal to repeal n
modernize the blasphemy law agreeable n appealing to the international norms. However, before doing that a legislation be framed/passed in the present parliament promulgating into strict law against those stigma of islam, who mis interpret /mis use islamic laws n orders to their advantage to provoke n incite voilence. The law be framed in a way that production of witnesses to prosecute the the culprit of inciting religous rift, voilence n provokation doesnot need witnesses, simple evidence n law enforcing agency remand be taken as proof in this case and the law should work as deterrence into the heart n mind of ppl in society n culprits never intend to commit violence.
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