Since it was introduced by Gen. Zia, the ‘blasphemy law’ 295-C has been used to settle scores, including financial rivalries, as umpteen fact-finding missions have recorded (included several I have participated in), much as the Zina laws have been used for revenge.
Now, simply repealing 295-C will not stop the rot. That must be done, but along with it we have to demand strict enforcement of law and order.
Those who incite violence and murder (eg mullahs who used loudspeakers) must be held culpable as well, charged, tried and punished in accordance with the law.
Ditto those who desecrate a holy book or symbol, no matter of what religion.
Below, links to some reports that provide a perspective on the issue:
PAKISTANI CHRISTIANS-THE VICTIMS OF HALF LAW IN GOJRA, by Brigadier Samson Simon Sharaf (Retired), Aug 5, 2009
http://chowk.com/ilogs/73055/47736
An Eyewitness Account from Gojra – Faris Kasim. August 7, 2009
http://www.chowk.com/articles/an-eyewitness-account-from-gojra-faris-kasim.htm
Edited version in The News Op-Ed, Aug 8, 2009
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=191978
HRCP press releases, Aug 4 & Aug 1
http://hrcpblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/gojra-admin-knew-about-pre-planned-attacks-hrcp/
http://hrcpblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/hrcp-press-release-on-gojra-and-korian-incident/
Lethal Law, Newsline Sept 2001
http://www.newsline.com.pk/NewsSept2001/newsbeat.htm
Filed under: Blasphemy Laws | Tagged: 295-C, blasphemy, Chowk, democracy, Faris Kasim, Gojra, Muridke, Naimat Ahmar, Pakistan, Politics, Samson Sharaf, terrorism |
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