Govt has no intention to amend blasphemy law: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday categorically said that the Government has no intention to amend the Blasphemy law, however its misuse should be prevented. “Neither the Government has moved a bill nor any Committee has been  formed to amend the said law as both the treasury and opposition benches  are on the same page and are unanimous on this sensitive issue,” Prime Minister told the Lower House of the Parliament in response to a point raised by leader of the Opposition Ch. Nisar Ali Khan about policy statement by the prime minister regarding Blasphemy Law.
He said that a Muslim cannot have two opinions on the blasphemy law and being descendant of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), he cannot even think of amending it.
About Sherry Rehman’s bill regarding the blasphemy law, the prime minister made it clear that it was not a party policy line and she had moved the bill in her individual capacity. The Prime Minister said he had talked to Sherry Rehman about it and told her that being a sensitive issue it should have been discussed within the party before moving and  “she agreed with me”.
Gilani said that he called Ulema’s conference on Namoos-e-Risalat and made it  clear to them that the government has no intention to amend the law. He invited the Ulema to come forward and join hands with the government in its efforts to prevent misuse of the blasphemy law, adding that if the minorities have any reservations , the law can be made more effective in its functioning. The Prime Minister informed the House that majority of the cases under the blasphemy law have so far been registered against Muslims. He said the government respects  the Ulema and they are free to take out rallies but it should not be against the government as it has made it clear that it fully respects the law.
To another point of leader of the opposition regarding  the US citizen  Raymond Davis, the Prime Minister said the whole world has focused  upon Pakistani nations reaction and wants to know whether it would be a mature move or not.
He said Pakistan is a sovereign and responsible state, there is  independent judiciary, media and a vibrant civil society, and  the government has no intention to take steps which could bring a bad name to the country.
He said that Raymond Davis matter is in the court and it will ask for his relevant record. The government respects the judiciary and whatever decision it gives would be accepted  in letter and spirit.
The Prime Minister condemned the blast in Peshawar in which precious lives were lost.
The whole nation and the people of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa in particular had given supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism, he said, adding, they are sacrificing their today for the coming generations.