Pakistan , the only country in the world with a blasphemy law
ICC Note
“ Pakistan is the only Muslim country that has this kind of rules. Other nations like Indonesia , Nigeria and Bangladesh are examining whether they too should adopt similar legislation,”
11/10/2009 Pakistan (AsiaNews)-In Pakistan, an attempt is underway to create an “Islamic State” that would deny the principle of “equality of its citizens” as intended by the country’s father, Ali Jinnah, in a speech he delivered to the constituent assembly in 1947, said Peter Jacob, executive secretary of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) during a press conference organised by AsiaNews on blasphemy. Pakistan is the only country in the world with a “blasphemy law”.
Over the past decades, a number of laws have been adopted that have undermined the values on which the nation was built. The constitution for example ensures that “non-Muslim cannot become president or prime minister.” Indeed, “in some cases, they are denied the right to be judges or trial lawyers,” the Christian activist said. This perpetuates “social and professional discrimination in the workplace, business and public offices.”
Peter Jacob slams the widening campaign of violence against religious minorities of the past few decades, which culminated in the introduction in 1986 of the now infamous blasphemy laws by dictator Zia-ul-Haq. Under such laws, anyone who defiles or desecrates the Qur‘an or the name of the Prophet Muhammad can get life in prison or the death penalty.
“ Pakistan is the only Muslim country that has this kind of rules. Other nations like Indonesia , Nigeria and Bangladesh are examining whether they too should adopt similar legislation,” he said.
