Qadri Or Pope?: Malik’s remarks anger Christians
We demand an apology from Rahman Malik, request him to avoid any such statement in the future, says Father Emmanuel.
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
LAHORE:
Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rahman Malik’s statement comparing Dr Tahirul Qadri with the pope has angered many Christians in the country and their leaders have demanded Malik to say sorry.
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.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rahman Malik’s statement comparing Dr Tahirul Qadri with the pope has angered many Christians in the country and their leaders have demanded Malik to say sorry.
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.