Amending the blasphemy law

Letter December 25, 2010
I agree with your editorial and admire your courage to point out the weakness in the blasphemy law.

NIDERRAU, GERMANY: I agree with your editorial “Blasphemy law and lack of moral courage” (December 21) and admire your courage to point out the weakness in the blasphemy law which has not been dealt with by any government since Ziaul Haq forced it on Pakistan more than 30 years ago.

You must, however, admit that there is a considerable minority which approves this law. Not only that, this minority is willing to use violence to scare off anyone who tries to amend it. If I express the opinion that the law should be repealed, even if it means that Islam allows such laws and we should strive for more enlightened interpretations, then even liberals would show angst. So let me say it more clearly. The world has moved on since the 6th century and we need to find solutions to our problems of the 21st century. You can remain a Muslim and still profess reformation. After all, we do listen to music, see films, sing and listen to songs, which conservative Muslims tend to abhor.

Sharif Lone

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25th, 2010.