LAHORE – The Punjab government is urging killing of blasphemy convict Aasia Bibi before more developments occurred in the issue, participants of the All Christian Parties Conference led by Pakistan Christian Democratic Alliance Chairman Bishop Yaqoob Paul said on Sunday.
Around 25 Christian parties participated in the conference. The conference demanded immediate repeal of Section 295-B and C of blasphemy laws, as these laws did not apply on minorities. The conference also agreed on a one-point agenda for releasing Aasia without any further delay.
Conference spokesman Joseph Francis told journalists that Pakistani Christians would celebrate Christmas this year as a black day and black flags would be hoisted on houses and banners would be displayed on walls to draw attention of the international community in this regard.
He said that a protest march would be held in Lahore on December 25 from the Lahore Press Club to the Punjab Assembly. Francis said that these black laws were introduced in former dictator Ziaul Haq’s regime in 1986 and 37 people have been killed under false allegations up till now and before introduction of these laws, the situation was far better.
The spokesman said that in most cases, accused were killed before registration of a FIR, which was very disappointing. He said that 25 blasphemy accused, who were released by courts respectfully, were still facing life threats and hiding for their survival.
The conference condemned all blasphemous activities and reiterated respect for Islam.
