Perhaps Dr Naushad Valiyani's case gives a solid basis to the government to review the blasphemy law.
ISLAMABAD: This is with reference to your editorial of December 14 titled “Land of Lunacy” regarding Dr Naushad Valiyani who has been accused of blasphemy on the complaint of a sales representative, Muhammad Faizan. His complaint relates to the doctor’s actions — about throwing his visiting card in the dustbin — because his first name is Mohammed which is also the name of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
This was a shameless act by Mr Faizan. It is clear that when the doctor didn’t entertain him, the sales representative accused him. However, the issue was resolved after Dr Valiyani apologised and acknowledged that he didn’t intend to insult the Prophet (pbuh). But local clerics pressured the police to press charges against the doctor. It is also a possibility that Dr Valiyani, a member of the Ismaili community, was purposely indicted by religious leaders who pressed for action against him. Perhaps this case gives a solid basis to the government to review the blasphemy law and make necessary changes, so that minority groups are not indicted by extremist-minded religious leaders.
Farukh Sarwar
Published in The Express Tribune December 15th, 2010.
