Blasphemy: Sunni Tehreek lambast Sherry Rehman's appointment
Speaking to PPI, Central leader of the Sunni Tehreek Shahid Ghauri said Rehman was already following “policies of the US and the Jewish lobby as she tried to abolish the country’s blasphemy laws.”
"We are not satisfied with Sherry Rehman appointment because she is not fair with Islam or the country,” he said.
In late 2010, Rehman’s life was threatened since she submitted a private member bill suggesting amendments to the blasphemy law.
Rehman was criticized by speakers of religio-political parties at large-scale rallies and kept a low profile in the ensuing months, particularly after the assassinations of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer and the Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti.
(Read: Stand up against the blasphemy laws)
The Sunni Tehreek leader urged the government to appoint an ambassador who is loyal to the country and Islam. “Those who are confident and spies of United States and perusing anti-Islam policies should not be considered for such key posts,” he said.
Rehman was appointed Ambassador to the US by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on November 23.
Petition filed in Lahore High Court
A petition has been filed in the Multan Bench of the Lahore High Court against the appointment of Rehman as Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US.
Fahim Akhtar Gill, a businessman in Multan, filed the application today. He has pleaded that Rehman is guilty of committing blasphemy on a television program of a news channel.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Gill said that Rehman was did not deserve the appointment and that she had violated the constitution and was accused of blasphemy.
If the court issues a stay order tomorrow, Rehman will not be able to assume duties as ambassador and the government notification will become null and void.
Gill said that thousands of Pakistanis had reservations over the appointment of Rehman.
“It is against the honor and pride of the federation and the people of Pakistan as Pakistan is a Muslim country,” he said.
Gill claimed that he had taken fatwas from religious scholars of more than four sects of Islam before filing the petition.
A petition had earlier been filed in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Mehar Nasir Hussain on the remarks Rehman had given on a television show. The judge had ordered that an FIR be registered against Rehman.
The Police had informed the petitioner that an FIR could not be filed as the show had been aired from Islamabad and it was not their jurisdiction.
The petitioner had later filed an application citing another petition, where an FIR was registered in Bahwalpur against a citizen of Lahore.
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COMMENTS (66)
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Sherry Rehman must speak out against human rights violations in Balochistan.
@Maulvi Imran Ahmed: Agreed, but lets talk about the majority who never got a chance to go to school just because their father thought its too liberal. We all know its either poverty or a mix of religious & cultural beliefs that led the "man of the house" to not put those girls in schools. Public policies are also to be blamed here. Every woman in Pakistan could be the next Benazir, now the question is do we really want that? and that is my whole argument.
To those who have misunderstood the role of women in Islam there was no parliament system at the time of the Prophet (pbuh) but "Women rode camels at that time, women would choose whom to marry, they sat in attendance in mosques (which was a sort of parliament), they voiced their views, they fought in battles, and guess what — they could be richer than their husbands. I think once again this is an example of how we’ve mistaken many Jahiliyah practices for Islam — we don’t follow the Prophet, but we follow his times — we follow a lot of what he opposed.
Women were never placed behind closed doors — that’s an injustice — and the Qur’an teaches us this by giving us a myriad of examples of Sheba and Maryam."
@Bilal Jahanzeb re women in third world countries - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FemalepoliticalleadersinIslamandinMuslim-majoritycountries the three most populous Muslim-majority countries have had women as leaders: Indonesia, the most populous Muslim-majority country, elected Megawati Sukarnoputri as president Pakistan, the second most populous Muslim-majority country, twice (non-consecutively) elected Benazir Bhutto as prime minister Bangladesh, the third most populous Muslim-majority country, elected Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina as prime ministers. Other Muslim- majority nations which have had female political leaders include: Turkey elected Tansu Çiller, who became prime minister on June 13, 199 In the Muslim majority region of Kosovo, President Atifete Jahjaga was unanimously elected by the Assembly of Kosovo on April 7, 2011 Kyrgyzstan's President Roza Otunbayeva was sworn in on July 3, 2010, after acting as interim leader following the 2010 April revolution. Senegal's Mame Madior Boye was Prime Minister from 2001 to 2002.
Men all around the world perceive themselves smarter than their women, many women believe them. Objective studies have found only small differences in IQ and some of the difference is attributed to gender bias in the tests.
The religious basis for the claim that women are deficient in mind and faith comes from a sahih hadith. There are different interpretations to the hadith. Nowhere does even this interpretation of the hadith claim that ALL women are so.
The fact remains that although some women may be either mentally deficient or deprived of education and experience by conservative society there are also a whole lot of smart ladies who do not lack intellect, education or expertise, around the world. Our Ambassador designate would seem to fit in the latter category.
The claim by one or another religious cult that it dislikes women in high office does not separate a citizen from his/her constitutional rights.
I think these mullahs when their high on adrenaline come up with such statements ... haha
@Khalid sheikh-Khi:
You are living on a constructed hope my friend. The only women who are deprived of responsibilities are in third world countries such as Pakistan. Women hold more respect than a man in Islam for your information one such example is provided by R.A and i'll give you another one, Prophet married Hazrat Khadija a woman older than Himself, now that is the status given to woman in Islam. Stop living in your cubical world that Islam doesn't allow this that. Islam in fact teaches the opposite, as the saying goes "ilam hasil karo chahiye cheen jana paray" it is quite obvious had Prophet meant Islamic teachings he would have given us by Himself. He emphasized on worldly matter which is quite obvious some people don't understand yet they are the "best muslims".....having said that its time we should let our women get educated and let them prosper such that they can make their own decision. For men who assert dominance, get a life ... just cause you couldn't do anything in your life doesn't mean you should take it out on wife :-)
@bigsaf I agree with you. The ambassadors appointment has been challenged in court so it does have to do with Sunni Tehrik's concept of blasphemy and Sharia. A concept that right thinking people of whatever creed or nationality do not and should not share and should join to condemn. As a muslim and as a Pakistani I value the insights from all quarters including India. In the sub continent we are prone to sentimentality in dealing with issues that require clarity of thought and also tend to waste energies on imaginary conflicts.
@Syed Arbab Ahmed:
Please stop with the zealous nationalism, hypocrisy on freedom to comment and anti-Indian resentment.
It's the 21st century. The globe is democratizing. Every citizen and non-citizen with access to the Internet can and will give their opinions on anything and everything. Including your own blog that touches 'every field'.
Sharing the region, Pak-US relations matters to India as much as India-US relations matter to Pak, including ambassador appointments. While the appointment has nothing to do with Sharia, clearly there's a significant Pak section that claims so, and their views are sadly creeping and making a regressive impact all over the country.
I think your 'crimes against humanity rule' is a convenient made-up excuse as you would most likely still have taken issue with an Indian commentator condemning crimes by Pak government or terrorists against minorities, and yourself indulge in opinions on Indian government or business appointments.
@syed,
Read your links - solving Kashmir issue will solve Terrorism is your line of thinking.
Fine with it. The persons involved in 26/11 in Mumbai, 9/11 in America and Britain and spain - they are not Kashmiris. So it is the kashmir issue feeding terrorism is to me is a wrong sell.
Coming to Independence/freedom - explain to me from what? If I look around - I am bound by local township rules, then state rules then country rules - also rules set by family.
So the Indenpendence/freedom is allowing to make my own rules. Well - agreed. Let them put forth the rules and will see how much it will differ from the current constitution and if the deviation from Indian constitution is considerable then will resolve the differences amicably. Please do not go by religious rules as they are not inclusive of all individuals of a given state.
Otherwise will I consider crying hoarse about freedom - is more of a few individual personal gains of these so called leaders rather than betterment of the people.
If they are is rift between in Indian govt and Kashmiris - let them resolve those rifts and find the equilibrium one day and I hope that day is (With Britain and India/Pakistan it took couple of centuries) is sooner than later. I DO NOT buy a rift between two parties is creating terrorism across the whole world. Just stop that nonsense. I used to watch twin towers from my office before they are brought down.
@Syed Arbab Ahmed:
So is anything to do with Blasphemy or Shariah. Hence a valid point to discuss by our Indian friends.
The Pakistani version of Sharia law (not Sharia itself which is a distinct concept) like any other man made law has strong and weak points, much of this law has not been subjected to ijtihad for centuries.
All muslims submit to the component of this law based on the Holy Book and indeed this (small) component is not controversial even to non muslims. This component is incorporated into the existing Pakistani legal system and any law which is repugnant to the Quran can be struck down.
The problem arises when the whole legal system of sharia laws is confused by some ignorant folk with the Quran or Hadith and they defend it with mindless passion.
@syed, Godhra incident is incident against humanity ? and Gojra incident in Pakistan is it also an incident against humanity ? or they are sub humans (christians) to your eyes ?
@Jameel: Babri mosque, Godhra incident are not mere Indian incidents, they are incidents against Humanity.
@Syed Arbab Ahmed:
Pakistanis like to talk about Indian internal affairs all the time; Babri mosque, Godhra incident and so on. How about if they do the same?
@Dr.A.K. Tewari: You are not Pakistani then how could you talk about our internal affairs and what Pakistan should have and should not have, and this appointment has nothing to do with Shariah but with the eligibility, merit of Sherry Abdul Rehman.
It means , Now shariya is to be rooted out from Pakistan .
the people objecting to sherry rehman appointment are sick , so are the followers of qadri . the bachas of zia have made this country a no tolerance state
Why sunni tehrik is pretending that they have flag of ISLAM ? Let them enjoy their life, we have voted for this govt so enjoy the fruits of decomcracy...
Media is requested to give lessor importance to fanatics and bigots.
@ Khalid Can you recall the time when Hazrat Aiysha RA was leading an army in a battle.OMG. When will these people change their mind? I think that first of all Mr. Shahid Ghauri, please define what is blasphemy? Many people misuse this law against their enemies. At that time why do you not speak?
@Khalid sheikh-Khi:
May Allah grant wisdom to people like khalid sheikh-khi , so that u can take the Islamic teachings on positive way. U r the ones who teach their conservative approach and spoil the entire society.
Send our hero Mumtaz Qadri to Washington as ambassador. Unfortunately Osama is dead otherwise he could have been a candidate as well.
Sunni Tehrik has nothing to do with the appointment of Pak ambassador to USA.
Basically Empty Mind is a Devil's Arena. That's it.
Hell will not fall following the appointment of Sherry Rehman as Pak Ambassador.to USA.
She deserves and quallifies for the coveted post.
Mussarat
We should appoint sunni tehreek leaders and the whole parties of all the religious groups as ambassadors to the libyan deserts, the sinai ,gaza and the tableeghis to antartica
as per Islamic teachings the women should never be part of any govt/public institution or office as they are deficient in intellect and religion.what to say serving as ambassador which is completely in contradiction to Islamic teachings.such actions invite the wrath of Allah Almighty.this is really something shameful for Pakistan.May Allah give us leaders who implement true islamic teachings in my country.Ameen.
She is a capable woman and certainly can work unlike these mullahs. Better not give them much attention. They are not worth it. More power to you Sherry!
Vienna,November 23,2011 I congratulate both Fahim Akhtar Gill and the Express Tribune since it helps focussing on the flares in Pakistan which is suffering critical times.The women and children of Pakistan who make up in bulk larger than the populations of many countries in the world have a right to live and expect better times.They should be supported at all costs.Not Sunny Tehriq Pakistan. Taravadu Tarnga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India --Kulamarva Balakrishna
Who were these Mullahs thinking of as their candidate for the post. Mulla Radio or Mullah Toofhan or the best choice one eye jack Mullah Omer. I am sure the American would have loved these choices.
I am a Muslim and I do not support PPP. However, this decision, has been an excellent one given the women's courageous attitude and for taking a stand when required. As far as the Mullahs are concerned, why dont they raise their voice against inhumanity, injustice, fraud and moral, financial and ethical corruption carried out by the so-called loyalist of Islam, the Mullahs and the headmasters in Madaris who dont even spare the young girls and boys. Instead, their targets are people have a a track record for taking a stand for human rights.
Become a better human being first, that is the first step towards becoming a better Muslim.
please- why do you give such stories media space?!
@MT: if it is sarcasm....It was great....if you really meant it then....oops...
Go for it Shehrbano ji. Good luck and may your God go with you.
Give Mumtaz Qadri a chance & see how our "hero" serves Islam by being ambassador to US!
It's not worth my energy wearing a frown over Sunni Tehreek's antics.
I appreciate women playing significant roles in Pakistani politics and leading the country, just earnestly hope and pray that it is in the right direction.
She had to go out any way, what a better way to go
How can the court even admit such a petition? This is a decision of the executive and in the diplomatic community the only entity that can object to the appointment is the host country where the ambassador is being posted.
It is no wonder genuine litigants suffer for years because our courts get imbroiled in frivolous litigation which should not even be admitted. So much streamlining the judiciary!
::: Gill said that thousands of Pakistanis had reservations over the appointment of Rehman. :::::
Dear Gill , thousands has reservations but millions approve. So go find some work
and they want an alliance with pti...huh
Unfortunately she also has a brain, something that over qualifies her for Sunni Tehreek membership
What is the criteria to be elected as the Ambassador to any country? Will she able to eradicate drone attacks, normalize relations with US? how what is her plan? this is a sad thing nobody ask that before pointing an ambassador.
Drone attacks & what Pakistan has got from "War on terror"? http://bit.ly/nTHdBF
To eradicate Terrorism, we must........ http://bit.ly/dKiBUe
"The Sunni Tehreek leader urged the government to appoint an ambassador who is loyal to the country and Islam. “Those who are confident and spies of United States and perusing anti-Islam policies should not be considered for such key posts,” he said." What a load of unadulterated crap!! Please someone tell me how many of our existing bureaucrats, politicians, MPs etc are actually 'loyal' to Islam and Country??? Someone please line up these mindless morons and pump some lead into them. p.s. the comment does not in any way imply that I condone said appointment... the appointment itself is unacceptable as the individual in question can barely articulate her own throughts in public let alone represent the country as an ambassador!!
I agree with them, appointing her as an ambassador is a massive mistake
I fully support her appointment. I think its a right step in right direction. She is that caliber of politician that can carry responsibility of being ambassador of Pakistan in US. Two thumbs up from me. I am extremely happy for her. I hope she has more success in coming days.
It is true how she can be eligible for the job. She has no beard she does not wear a turban or a niqab or hijab and has got no certificate of eligibility from a madrsah in Pakistan. Atleat she will be abit safer in U.SThey only know how to create chaos...useless fasadi
Let's hope Sherry gets out of the country before Sunni Tehreek gets a chance to give her shahadat.
Oh God Media please stop giving these guys space in your news stories. Stop paying them attention. There are better and more vibrant Pakistanis working for the progress and prosperity of this nation. I guess Sherry Rehman deserves this space better.