Pakistan Backtracking on Human Rights
ICC Note
Pakistani Christians unhappy with the decision of the government to appoint a Muslim as a Minister for Minorities Affairs. The post was held by a Christian who was assassinated by radical Muslims for opposing blasphemy laws.
By Becky Yeh
05/19/2011 Pakistan (OneNewsNow)-Christians in Pakistan are asking the government to reconsider its appointment of a Muslim to fill a minister position that was previously held by a Christian who was eventually killed by Islamic radicals.
Pakistani leaders appointed Riaaz Hussain Pirzada as the Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs after the death of Shahbaz Bhatti, who was murdered by Muslims on March 2 of this year for opposing the country’s blasphemy laws.
Christians say appointing a Muslim to the position would further cut down the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan. Jonathan Racho of International Christian Concern states: “It sends a very wrong message for people who were hoping to see the Pakistani government take the side of religious minorities and the side of truth and justice in this case.”
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“I believe that this post should be filled with someone who truly understands what it means to be a minority in Pakistan. We want someone who could boldly work to defend the rights of minorities in Pakistan,” says Racho.
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