Human rights group asks Pakistan to repeal blasphemy law

Pakistan (MNN/Idea) — The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) has called on Pakistan to change the controversial blasphemy act. Under the law, defaming Islam or the prophet Muhammad may be punished with the death sentence.

Many Non-Muslims, especially Christians, have been indicted and convicted. But, the law is often abused as a means of private revenge, says the human rights organization based in Frankfurt, Germany. Two Christians convicted under the act are currently on death row – Anwar Kenneth and Kingri Masih.

According to ISHR Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf has promised more than once to change the blasphemy law. But, he’s done nothing because of pressure from Islamic extremists.

Pray that God will move in the Musharraf’s heart to change this law, which could provide some religious freedom.

The human rights organization also calls for the abolition of other brutal forms of punishment like stoning or whipping for offenses like adultery, gambling and alcohol consumption. Pakistan has 156 million inhabitants; 96 percent are Muslims, 2.3 percent Christians and 1.5 percent Hindus.