Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Wednesday categorically stated that the government has no intention to amend the blasphemy law and both the treasury and opposition are on the same page as far as the issue is concerned, however its misuse should be prevented.
While responding to the point of order raised by Opposition Leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan about policy statement by him (Premier) regarding blasphemy law, the Prime Minister said that neither the government has moved any bill nor any Committee has been formed to amend this law as both the treasury and opposition benches are unanimous on this sensitive issue.
The Prime Minister said that he called Ulema's conference on Namoos-e-Risalat for seeking their guidelines on the 'misuse' of blasphemy law. He said that the law should not be misused. He said that most of the cases were registered against Muslims under this law.
"I invited the Ulema and the people of all schools of thought to come forward and join hands with the government in an effort to put an end to misuse of the blasphemy law," he said.
The Prime Minister made it clear that the government has no intention to amend the law however if the minorities have any reservation on its use, the law can be made more effective as far as execution is concerned. "The government respects the Ulema and they are free to take out rallies and hold procession, but if they are doing so particularly with reference to this law, I would obviously say that the government has no intention to amend this law," he said.
About Sherry Rehman's amendment bill on the blasphemy law, the prime minister made it clear that she had moved the bill in her individual capacity as it was not party's policy. He said that he had talked to Sherry Rehman about it and told her that being a sensitive issue it should have been discussed within the party before moving it in the House and "she agreed with me".
Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the people and House demanded of the Prime Minister to give his clear stance on blasphemy law to remove doubts. "We should have concerns over the protest, rallies and processions on the issue of Namoos-e-Risalat because foreign forces may be involved in it," he said. The Opposition Leader said that his party has nothing to do with the stance of Sherry Rehman but she should withdraw the bill on the demand of the people and in the national interest.
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