Misuse of blasphemy laws intolerable: Gilani

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday assured the nation that no amendment in the blasphemy laws would be made but at the same time made it loud and clear that his government would not let any one misuse these laws. Addressing Ulema and Mashaikh Conference here at National Library Auditorium, Premier Gilani said that being Muslims following the Holy Quran and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is part of their faith and there should not be any doubt in this connection. The Prime Minister categorically said that the government would not bring any amendment in blasphemy laws. "Islam is a religion of peace, brotherhood and tolerance. It does not teaches us violence, revenge and killings as all these activities are a sheer sin," the Prime Minister said and urged Ulema and Mashaikh to come forward and play their due role in highlighting the true face of Islam. Gilani said that the government had already ruled out any change to the blasphemy laws and hoped that the controversy surrounding it should now end. He urged Ulema to play their role with responsibility in the war against terrorism and reiterated his government's resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country. Gilani said that work of Ulema was important in eliminating terrorism and extremism as this menace had disturbed the very fabric of society. He said terrorism was opposed to tolerance, patience and peaceful co-existence, which were the hallmarks of society in Pakistan. The Prime Minister said that the government would eradicate this menace and would transform Pakistan into a peaceful and investment friendly country. The Prime Minister said that terrorism was the most serious problem facing the country, adding all those would be punished who were involved in killing innocent people, launching attacks on shrines, mosques and educational institutions, committing violence against women, and those who wished to enforce their own version of Shariah. He urged Ulema and Mashaikh to make true interpretation of Islam and propagate its teachings of tolerance and mutual respect for each other's religions. Prime Minister Gilani said a committee was set up by the Pakistan People's Party at party level to see whether or not any legislation that was moved by its members had its endorsement. He said he was a descendant of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Ulema must not have any apprehension that anything would be done contrary to Islam or its teachings. Gilani urged closer collaboration between scholars of different religions for better understanding and to bring peace and tranquility. He underlined the need for removing impression in the West that Islam was the cause behind the acts of terror and extremism and said that in fact it is a religion of peace and abhors violence. He said his government believed in taking along all political forces and appreciated the opposition for being supportive of the government on all national issues. Gilani assured Ulema that the issue of syllabus would be referred to Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPCC) Ministry. The Prime Minister also quoted from the Holy Quran and said Islam is not a religion of compulsion. He said the life and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) clearly state that nobody should be compelled to adopt and adhere to any particular type of religion. He also recalled a message by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who urged the Muslims to stop infightings and stand united to confront the grave challenges facing the Ummah. Syed Khurshid Shah, Minister in-charge of Religious Affairs, said that terrorism across the world was haunting humanity and people from all religions faced a similar threat. He said that Islam is a religion of peace and is aimed at ensuring that all people living in a Muslim society are treated equally and their lives and property are protected. Minister of State for Religious Affairs Shagufta Jumani said interfaith harmony was vital for bringing greater understanding and peace in the world. She said the Holy Quran categorically speaks against any sort of violence, lawlessness and acts of extremism. Allama Niaz Hussain Naqvi, Maulana Abdul Malik, Maulana Muhammad Yaseen Zafar, Maulana Hanif Jalandhri, Ghulam Muhammad Sialvi, Allama Zubair Ahmed Zaheer, Allama Sajjad Hussain Naqvi, Maulana Kabir Azad and Raghib Hussain Naeemi also spoke on the occasion. Ulema spoke about Islam's universal message of peace, love and tolerance and said it teaches peaceful coexistence with people of all religions. The speakers regretted distortion of the religion by certain vested interests and urged deeper understanding of the Holy Quran and Sunnah by all. The religious scholars were of the view that there were no two opinions about the honour and dignity accorded to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They assured of their full cooperation to the government in protecting life, property and honour of minorities. They said minorities were free to practice their religion and Muslims were bound to stay above malice on basis of religion and sectarianism. They said Islam stresses on obligation towards Allah and humans and urges Muslims to support parents, help out neighbours and take care of guests irrespective of their belief. They were also critical of some scholars who were distorting facts while appearing on media. The PM was appreciative of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for holding a conference that was aimed at addressing the issue of terrorism and extremism.

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