- Bilawal calls for action under NAP against misuse of religion-based laws
- PPP rejects narrow, bigoted narrative of Islamic tenets; will continue to oppose, resist them, says Zardari
On Salman Taseer’s fifth death anniversary, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer sacrificed his life to protect the weak and marginalised against exploitation.
In his message of tribute, the PPP chairman said that from the torture cells of the Lahore Fort to his martyrdom, Taseer remained a monumental character in Pakistan’s history. He lived, struggled and embraced death like a true hero of the nation, democracy, and human rights.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that Taseer followed the path of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and stood like a rock against the forces of darkness, which were bent on dragging the country back to the Stone Age. These forces of darkness were deliberately created by the dictatorial regimes to trample the nation’s quest for democracy, human rights, and equality and prolong usurpation of the power of people, he added.
He said that the PPP would always stand against the misuse of religion-based laws by individuals or groups, and asked the authorities to look into such incidents and take action, as per the ninth point of the National Action Plan. The ninth point says that effective steps are needed against religious persecution. He pointed out that so far not a single action has been taken under this key point.
He further said that all of Pakistan would always remember Taseer, especially members and workers of the PPP. Taseer, he said, would always be revered in the hearts and minds of patriotic Pakistanis, who wanted and struggled for a Pakistan that truly reflects the vision of the founders of the nation.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for special prayers and tributes for Taseer, so that the country may prove that we never forget our heroes, come what may.
Meanwhile, PPP Co-Chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari stressed on the need for effective measures against the misuse of laws based on religion, along with their implementation.
In his message on Taseer’s death anniversary, Zardari paid homage to the sacrifices that the former Punjab governor made. He said he gave his life to protect minorities and vulnerable sections of society against the misuse of religion based laws.
PPP spokesperson Senator Farhatullah quoted the former president as saying that bigots and extremists continue to exploit religion-based laws to impose their own version of religious edicts on people, and to stifle dissent or opposition.
Zardari said that PPP rejects their narrow and bigoted narrative of Islamic tenets and will continue to oppose and resist them.
He said that on Taseer’s fifth death anniversary; let us pledge that we will collectively prevent the misuse of the religion-based laws.
It is reassuring that recently the Senate Committee of the Whole also called for reforming the legal regimen to prevent misuse of these laws, he said and expressed the hope that the House of Federation will pursue this noble objective.
He was of the view that Taseer’s assassination at the hands of bigots was not just a loss of a political party but it was a loss for the entire nation.
Failed on the political front, now playing the card of religion. He who can not recite a Kalma, wants to exploit possibilities on religious front. The 'uncles' are trying all bait in their bag but some know that Bilawal is going to 'purge' the party if he has to servive. But he can not do that until he is under the shadow of Mr 10%. He already has marked some who are 'redundant' to be retained in the party.
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