I have been reading your remarks and the remarks of other regarding this incident in Pakistan. Let me interject here and I have some seriuos questions to ask you before I can tell you what my opinion is on this incident. It is evident that in our country there is no law and order.It is not the first time that we are exposed to this lawlessnes, it has been quite some time that neither our leadership not those who are sitting in higher positions ever sincerely thought of implementing the laws which exist in our country. Making laws and amending them has never been a problem in this nation of 180 millions people. Actually Implementing the law with its true spirit has always been the problem. Let me be clear here as well that this law would have never been under the scurtiny if it was not raised by foreign powers and especially the west. Pakistan have many laws which are violated day and night. Some intentionally and other for some influence.Is that mean that all these laws should be amended ? Only because your law enforcement agencies are incompetent, all the laws should be under review at all times ?
What is in this law which is needed to be amended ? If anyone could tell me what actually they want to amend with this law ? Would they want to make it more lenient for the accused to defend itself ? Is it that the number of witnesses needed to be double for this case to be registered ? Or is that the final punishment is being considered ? what is the purpose of the review ? Is it to make it more practicle or is it to please some foreign powers ? Why is this law become more important than other hundred of laws which are primitive in nature and badly needed to be reviewed ? Instead of making speeches and stiring up a storm in everywhere, why was not it possible to have a dialogue with all the political and other forces and try to get their consent on this important matter instead of opening up a media front and taking confrontal approach ? Is it not fair to say that in the rush of making changes within the law and showing foreign powers their willingliness, the inflamatory language was used and some of the words which were used, hurt the feelings of many who think that the present Government is an extension of foreign slavery and a partner in crimes ?
No one is condoling the lawlessness in the country. No matter how hard it is for us to bear.One the same token, the moderation is also required when the words are desperse on any event.We all have to tone down our rethorics and that include those who are sitting in the higher positions and those who have been shown to have their sympathies lies with the enmies of Muslims.
I am not asking for amendments so as to please the West.
I am asking for amendments because I feel it is a direct insult to the Holy Prophets pbuh name and stature when people in our country use the said law for settling personal scores and they succeed in doing so because people dont stand up to them so aas not to offend 'sensibilities'.
I am asking for amendments because the wrongful use of the law sends a negative impression of my religion and also of my Prophet pbuh and living in the west I have to answer many hateful questions that arise out of such incidents.
I am asking for amendments so that the law instead of stopping blasphemy does not end up creating blasphemy in the hearts if people.
Have you ever wondered why there are no cases of blasphemy reported in the other 51 Islamic countries on the same scale as in Pakistan?
Have you ever wondered why 50% of cases registered are against Muslims?
Are we a blaspheming nation?
These are questions that need thought.
The amedments that I would like to see in the law are as follows:
1. Accuser automatically stands to be charged with blasphemy if the accused is found not guilty.
2. The person charged should be taken into protective custody and immediately presented before a magistrate who will ascertain the intensity of the crime. If the person charged says he/she is sorry for saying something that has been taken out of context or even if he/she repents on the spot a margin of leniency should be provided considering that sometimes people say things in a charged atmosphere which they honestly regret. Im sure if someone asked the Prophet pbuh himself for mercy and forgiveness he would oblige them.
3. Anyone inciting hatred in the name of blasphemy law should also be booked under the same law.