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Pakistan Christian Movement calls for repeal of blasphemy laws

Riaz Anjum Masih, Chairman of the Pakistan Christian Movement (PCM) has called for repeal of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, reports Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST Ministries.

Stressing the need for unity among the Christians of Pakistan he urged them to launch a united effort for scrapping of all discriminatory laws against minorities.

He also called for repeal of those sections of the constitution which allegedly discriminate against religious minorities.

“Although the constitution of Pakistan is unanimously agreed-upon, the Christians and other religious minorities have some reservations about it,” said Masih.

He went on to say that according to the Pakistani constitution, it is necessary to be a Muslim for attaining high posts of Government, such as President and Prime Minister.

Alleging that representation of Christians in Parliament was not proportionate with their population, he said the religious minorities had 10 reserved seats out of the 217- member national assembly in 1985.

Masih said former Pakistani President Gen. (retd.) Pervez Musharraf increased the seats of national assembly from 217 to 342 in 2002, but the number of reserved seats for minorities did not see any increase.

He vowed to launch a struggle from the platform of the Pakistan Christian Movement to see the number of reserved seats for minorities increased.

Unveiling his plans for uplifting the Pakistani Christian community, Masih said PCM would establish a Christian educational fund to provide educational opportunities for Pakistani Christians.

He said that it was imperative for Pakistani Christians to get higher education.

“The Christian Educational Fund would set up medical, engineering, law, computer and technical colleges where Christians and other deserving students will get free education,” said Masih while outlining his ambitious plan for educating the Christians of Pakistan.

Masih added that the institution would also arrange scholarships for Christian students at national and international levels.

He also said PCM would also start residential programs for Christians.

“PCM will set up residential colonies in at least 20 constituencies, and Christians will be motivated to live together in Christian colonies. In this way PCM will gather the scattered vote bank of Christians in 20 constituencies,” said Masih.

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TAGS: Pakistan Pakistan Christian Movement blasphemy laws religious minorities persecution anti-Christian violence Pakistani Christians

[04/08/2010]

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