Gilani for review of laws detrimental to religious harmony

TOBA TEK SINGH - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif along with other prominent federal and provincial ministers visited the riots-hit village of Gojra on Thursday amid tight security.
During his stay, Premier Gilani met with the heads of the affected families and assured them of justice and rehabilitation, while he also announced Rs100 million for this purpose.
After visiting the area, the prime minister chaired a high-level meeting in which Inspector General of Police Tariq Saleem Dogar gave a detailed briefing about the tragic incident. He said according to initial estimates, the rioters caused Rs300 million loss. He also informed the PM about the rigorous steps being taken by the department for maintaining law and order in the area.
After the briefing, Prime Minister Gilani also addressed a public gathering. He said some elements were trying to sabotage the law and order situation in the country and creating hurdle for the federal and provincials governments.
Ensuring peace after launching military operation in Swat and Waziristan has been a serious challenge for the government, the prime minister said.
He said, Terrorism is the biggest challenge, but the government is not shying away from its responsibility.
The PM said a number of measures were being taken to solve a multitude of problems that the countrymen had been facing.
Directing the local administration for the immediate rehabilitation of the victims, he said the affected families should not lose their heart, as the government was standing with them after the irreparable loss they had to face.
He said, It is brought to my knowledge that some mischievous elements misled the people that resulted in violence. He assured Christians that the government would bring to book those responsible for burning to death eight members of the community.
Monitoring Desk adds: Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Gilani also pledged to review laws that are 'detrimental to religious harmony, reported a private TV channel.
Though he did not specify it, Gilanis announcement suggests that the government may review blasphemy laws.
A committee comprising constitutional experts, the minister for minorities, the religious affairs minister and other representatives will discuss the laws detrimental to religious harmony to sort out how they could be improved, Gilani told the gathering in Gojra.