PAKISTAN: Appeals

The treatment of non-Muslims in Muslim countries is a human rights disgrace. I regularly receive postings about it. Iran is viewed as a rogue state by the US, but it is much more enlightened than other Muslim countries. We are so eager to have Pakistan cooperate with us in Afghanistan that little in said about the situation in Pakistan. Indeed, following an attack on a Christian church, the Pakistani government gave assurances that the culprits would be punished. Now Marga Jann has sent me a long statement from the above organizations denouncing the incredible treatment of Christians in Pakistan, and she asks me to spread the word. The statement is too long to post, but the organizations must have a web page where their complaints can be followed. I was surprised and shocked by the report. From the political viewpoint, especially significant is the electoral system which does not allow Christians to vote for Muslims. the statement says:

"Not all of the persecution that the Pakistani Church faces is blatant. Pakistan does not have a joint electorate system. Christians are not permitted to vote for Muslim candidates for the National Assembly. This strips Christians of their lobbying power, since Muslim candidates do not need their votes. When a bill injurious to the Christian cause is introduced in the National Assembly, Christians have no voice and no influence over the Muslim members of the Assembly, since they cannot vote for Muslim candidates. The four Christian members of the Assembly barely have a voice when bills injurious to Christians are introduced in the nation's National Assembly. Fair and equal voting rights would allow the Christians a voice in the election of legislators, the formulation of bills, and the enactment of bills as laws". The statement asks us to protest:

"When you write to the newspapers, your government and the Pakistani government, please focus mainly on the establishment of a joint electorate system in Pakistan. Ask that the government system in Pakistan be changed to allow Christians and other non-Muslim minorities to vote for Muslim candidates as well. Ask for the cancellation (annulment) of the Blasphemy Law, by which non-Muslims can be sentenced to death for blaspheming Islamic founder Mohammad. Point out in your letter that this Blasphemy Law has been abused by many Muslims for their own personal and material gain, and often as a tool for personal vengeance".

Ronald Hilton - 1/11/02