Malik had said that Qadri is acting like a semi-pope, but the pope’s hat is larger that that of Qadri. PHOTO: PID / FILE
Talking to the media on January 14, Malik had said: “Qadri is acting like a semi-pope, but the pope’s hat is larger that that of Qadri.” Malik also said: “Qadri’s clothes are like a Jewish pastor.”
The Christian leaders asked Malik to refrain from giving such remarks about religious personalities. National Commission for Justice and Peace Director and Catholic priest Father Emmanuel Yousaf Mani asked Malik to withdraw his statement “trying to compare their father with Dr Tahirul Qadri.” Calling his statement as provocative, he said it had been entirely unnecessary.
He said Pope Benedict (XVI) was a leader of the largest section of Christianity and a non-controversial personality. He said the Pope had no role in politics. He said: “We demand an apology from Rahman Malik and request him to avoid any such statement in the future.” He said the minorities had always supported movements for human rights and democracy and would always strive for justice.
Human Liberation Commission Chairman Aslam Parvaiz Sahoutra said Malik not only taunted Qadri but also insulted the Christian community by issuing the irresponsible statement. He said Malik should say sorry to the Christians.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated consulted instead of insulted. The correction has been made.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2013.
COMMENTS (37)
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Qadary may appoint Musarraf in place of Malik if came in power with PPP .
R. Malik should apologize to all peace loving people for making his insensitive remarks. Even though it was a joke on Qadri not on Pope but he should avoid this non-sense. A simple apology is all that they want then what is the problem? Grow up and be kind to human being.
I don't think Rehman Malik has anything to brag about in the ridiculous hats department...
And you ask for a better Pakistan? When 5% of the losers here agree with this guy Freedom of speech? You want that you can't stand disrespect against your religion but if it is A different faith you want freedom of speech? Lol Pakistans awam is the problem you don't care about the minorities if this was about you you would be vexed 3 day holiday would have been announced.. All we asked for is an apology and you go this is what they are mad about?? Shame!!! We have always supported and respected all religions it's time we got some respect
If it was any non-muslim making a comment like this Pakistani's would have stoned him to death of blasphemy.
Rahman Malik needs to word on his trash talk
Its publicity time. Its a publicity situation and location. Any one and every one saying whatever will gain publicity from this Qadri issue. Adn who doesnt like publicty.
Disappointed to see that hatred of other faiths is so ingrained in the pakistani mindset that when people want to insult someone they compare them to christians or jews. Really, what will happen to Pakistan?
@tch tch: You don't understand the issue. Rehman Malik is free to say what he pleases. And we are free to say that what he said was offensive and inappropriate for his office and position.
You can e.g. say all kinds of "gaalian" under freedom of speech. But then everyone else is free to point out that you are rude and crass, and that you should aplologize. And if you are mature and sensible, you would accept your wrong and apologize. Nobody's freedom of speech is violated.
Typical insensitive, callous attitude displayed by Pakistani's when it comes to other religions. Malik must apologize
Minorities faith always a laughing stock for Majority Faith in countries like this..
That is why I like Rehman Malik...kudos to him for calling it as it is.
Where is freedom of speech??? anyone?
Now can there be a Blashemy case on Mr Malik?
So when are we gonna see a riot where people are burning down everything they see right in front of their eyes........
Rehman Malik does it again.
Haha Rehman is a funny guy.
Pak Christians lost the sense of humor after living in PAK for so long. This is Mr. Malik, the ever entertaining gentleman of PAK. Without him, all the news will be boring.
Rehman Malik is Pakistani George w. Bush
@Imran Khan: "for once, i agree with rehman malik" If this were said about some muslim mullah you guys would kill half a dozen people,and tear up the place - all in the name of Allah!
Rehman comes from a small background,genetic problem maturity lacking.There is a big lot of such people in Islamabad.Un fortunate for the people of Pakistan.Only sensible voting by all of us will change our destiny.
Last para,"Human Liberation Commission Chairman Aslam Parvaiz Sahoutra said Malik not only taunted Qadri but also consulted the Christian community by issuing the irresponsible statement. He said Malik should say sorry to the Christians."
Please replace the word "consulted" with insulted in the above para. Thanks.
Please enlighten me if there are any meanings of "consulted" that I don't know. Forgive me if I'm being rude but can I apply for a proofreading job at the Tribune?
Is mental stability one of the criterions for the poistion of "Interior Minister"?
@Imran Khan: shame on your thinking
I don't think there is any need to apologize, where is the freedom of speech? Comparing Qadri to Pope is in no way a hate speech, its just his point of view & to be fair, Qadri with all his getup does look a bit like Pope...
People these days easily get flared up for all wrong reasons!
Mr.Rehman Malik should apologise to both Christians and Dr.Qadri and refrain from loose talk.
Yes, Thank you ET for raising Pakistani Christians voice,.. we want him to apologize for saying that “Qadri is acting like a semi-pope, but the pope’s hat is larger that that of Qadri.” Malik also said: “Qadri’s clothes are like a Jewish pastor.”
Rehman Malik has given a stage for christians in this otherwise minority opprsed country
these remarks should not have been made by a person in his position. unfortunately Rehman Malik has no morals and standards and just tries to be a comedian. shame on him. the remarks were very offensive and provoking of the christian as welll as the muslim community.
Consulted or insulted?
for once, i agree with rehman malik :)
The state has become a joke really. Thanks to Qadri "million" march and this Rehman baba. But when I see IK amid a bunch of malodorous politicos, ah it really brings me a felicity.
Yes, he should. First think before you leap.
Rehman sb. Do some justice with ur office. Jesters place is comedy theater's in Punjab.
Thanks for publishing my letter against this irresponsible statement from Malik who talks too much and talks mostly non-sense. Mr. Rehman Malik has no moral or legal right to be in the cabinet. Must go. Pakistani leadership needs to be cleansed.
Wow, whenever Christians/other faiths say something against Islam, we all take it extremely offensively and come out on the streets and fight for justice by creating riots in our own cities! should we expect the Christians to do the same now?! even if it was a joke, pakistan at this moment cant take any. where this is no voice for the minority, there is no sane society!
Omg, mad over this? They need to calm down.