The assassination of the governor of the Punjab province of Pakistan, Salman Taseer, is a tragedy. It is a violent act needed to be condemned by all, especially those who uphold Islamic values of tolerance, fair play and justice.
The existential blasphemy law does not encourage people to use violent means to address their grievances, neither does it entitle people to gag legitimate concerns through misuse of interpretation.
The essence of the law is to pay and ensure respect to divine laws and create a harmonious religious culture.
Like in any other country, we have our share of obscurantists whose minds are riddled with cobwebs of sinister and obnoxious ideas. These people exist in all walks of life, fortunately in a small, albeit very dangerous, minority. Unaware of true Islamic values, the spirit and tenor of the Koran exemplified in the life of the Prophet Muhammad, they indulge in violence through crimes that are unpardonable.
Why is there a rise in religious extremism in my country? The answer is simple: The government is determined to defeat the Taliban, extremists and so-called custodians of Islamic faith. The important thing to remember is that the soul of Pakistan is liberal. Our national ethos is progressive. Our mindset is democratic. Aberrations cannot defeat what is inherently the strength of our national identity.
No doubt, it is not the first and perhaps might not be the last violent assault on our liberalism. It is, however, clear that Pakistan would come out of this difficult period. The wide-spread condemnation of the assassination of Governor Taseer and the outpourings of grief by common people amply proved where they stand in the war against the true Islam and the militant Islam.
A day will come when the hands which showered rose petals on the assassin will walk with the law abiding majority. To understand the blasphemy law in Pakistan, it must be noted that all parties and NGO’s want to reform the law with the intention to avoid its misuse. No one will tolerate insulting or blasphemous remarks against the Prophet. No one is interested in repealing the law, except perhaps a tiny minority.
Everyone in Pakistan is aware of the religious sentiments and the overwhelming attachment of the general public to the dignity of Prophet Muhammad. No one would ever think of committing blasphemy against the holy Prophet.
Even in this particular case, the remarks of the slain governor were misunderstood. He did not denounce the spirit and rationale of the blasphemy law. He did not call this law excessive. He pointed out some defects in this man-made law related to its misuse, as discovered over the years.
Many devout Muslims were killed for personal reasons on allegations of blasphemy. Some Christian fellow citizens suffered humiliation and torture for comments they had not made. This aspect of the law needs to be reformed, not its essence and core. This has been the voice of the majority among liberals.
Religious minorities belonging to any creed or faith have the right to project their view-points, and their voices should not be weighed down by the majority.
Sanaullah
Ambassador of Pakistan
Jakarta
