Zardari, Benedict meeting augurs well for minorities

Sunday, October 04, 2009
Our correspondent

Islamabad

Interfaith League Against Poverty (I-LAP) Chairman Sajid Ishaq has welcomed the assurance extended by President Asif Ali Zardari in his meeting with Pope Benedict in south of Rome for protection of Christians in Pakistan.

In a statement issued here Friday, he said, �It as a very positive statement in the favour of minority groups, especially Christians, in Pakistan. The (Christian) community in Pakistan also appreciate the role of the Federal Minister for Minorities� Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, in the whole process and we hope that this will be a great breakthrough to bring equality in the country.�

He said that in wake of the recent acts of terrorism occurring in the country it was noticed that some acts were specifically aimed against the Christian minority who have been targeted in the cover of �Blasphemy Law�.

Sajid Ishaq said, �We (the minority groups) in the country demand of the government to clearly define the Blasphemy Law and make it understandable to general public and ensure the implementation of the same to protect followers of all religions and their prophets in order to maintain the level of respect of each other and promote a sense of peace and harmony in the society.� He said that if the government of Pakistan is serious in bringing peace and tranquillity in Pakistan and aims at preventing the bloodshed in the name of religion then it has to take strict measures to curb the violence against minority groups in Pakistan. �There are greater challenges that Pakistan is confronted with, both internally as well as internationally at present.

In order to thwart the designs of the enemies of our country we have to stand together united as a nation against these threats and challenges,� he added. He said that religious and social harmony are essential for peaceful coexistence, which could be attained through concerted effort to promote tolerance, respect of faith of others, accepting the minority groups, as equal part of the society and inculcating a sense of safety and security among them.

(The News International)