Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday reiterated that the controversialblasphemy law will not be amended.He was addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference 2011in Islamabad.
Gilani denied that a committee has been formed to amend the blasphemy law. He said Islam stresses inter-faith harmony and tolerance, adding that there was a need to promote patience in society.
The premier said beliefs cannot be enforced on anyone and urged the clerics to represent the true meaning of Islam.He said laws should be implemented to ensure provision of rights.
We are not in the favour of amendment in the blasphemy law, but we are not in favour of misuse of the law eitherand it does not matter what law it is, Gilani added.
Prime Minister Gilani said any acts of violence bring bad name to the religion and are seen unfavourably in the West. He said it also makes the lives of Pakistanis abroad miserable. Therefore it is vital that Islam is portrayed in the right perspective and is not distorted, he said.
Gilani urged for closer collaboration between scholars of different religions for better understanding and to bring peace and tranquillity.
Religious leaders spoke about Islams universal message of peace, love and tolerance and that it believed in peaceful coexistence with people of all religions. The speakers regretted distortion of the religion by certain vested interests and urged a deeper understanding of the Quran and Sunnah by all.
They said Islam did not differentiate between people of any caste, colour or creed.
Religious leaders were of the view that there were no two opinions about the honour and dignity accorded to Prophet Mohammad and point! ed that the Quran and Sunnah were very clear about it. They said no one would be allowed to bring any changes in the blasphemy law.
Gilani has repeatedly ruled out any amendments to the blasphemy law. Earlier this month, he said the government had already ruled out any change to the law and the controversy surrounding the law should end.
The PPP disassociated itself from Taseers support of Aasia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for allegedly committing blasphemy, as well as MNA Sherry Rehmans private member bill proposing amendments to the blasphemy law.
Earlier, Religious Affairs Minister Khursheed Shah had also said that the government had no intention of repealing the law.
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