STRASBOURG, FRANCE: The European Parliament called Thursday on Pakistan to overhaul its blasphemy laws with a view to repealing them, saying they were "increasingly used to target" Christians and other minorities.
The Parliament expressed particular concern about the case of Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death four years ago for insulting the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) during an argument with a Muslim woman over a bowl of water.
Her sentence was upheld last month by the Lahore High Court, dashing hopes the conviction might be overturned or commuted to a jail term.
In a non-binding resolution, members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France expressed their concern that blasphemy laws "are increasingly used to target vulnerable minority groups, including Ahmedis and Christians, in Pakistan."
The resolution "calls on the government of Pakistan to carry out a thorough review of the blasphemy laws and their current application ... with a review to repealing the laws."
It also "calls on the government of Pakistan to abolish the death penalty, including for blasphemy or apostasy."
Around 50 MEP's meanwhile wrote to EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini urging her to ask Pakistan to show clemency toward Aasia Bibi.
In a final recourse in her case, Bibi filed an appeal in the Supreme Court on Monday.
Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan, with even unproven allegations often prompting mob violence.
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There is two visible impacts of Islamic holy book on the Ummat . One is visible in Turkish muslims and other is visible in Pak society . Blashphemy law is the product of them .
No review needed, it is quite plain that blasphemy laws need to be abolished with immediate effect.
Allah will punish those who blaspheme ++++++++++++++++++ Its not for us mortals to usurp His role.
Now, Pakistani will say that EU has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of their country .
@Zog: Agreed. Such things should not be present in the 21st century.
Laws promoting hatred and bigotry should be abolished first as they are source of this toxic mindset. Human values, tolerance and human rights should be taught at home, Schools and mosques. Stop funding of mullahs from middle east and other places. Keep mullahs ,madressahs and mosques in check. People who preach hate against any community or citizens of Pakistan should be prosecuted and punished.
EU Should Also Urges Christian To Respect Other Religions, And Not To Break Local Laws.
Pakistan has the opportunity to remove not only the blesphamic colonial law but also repeal the capital punishment as well. Pakistan should aim at reaching the status of association with the European Union and follow the route which Turkey has undertaken to introduce reforms for its institutions which are compatable with the Islamic values and humanism.
Rex Minor
Forget the EU, I as a Pakistani also want this law repealed.
I do not want people to insult any religion, BUT we are not at that level of civilization to ensure this law is not abused.
Also disband the CII (who seem obsessed with marriage and promoting marriage to minors)
Then make sure ALL Madrassas are strictly regulated.
There are some very good socially responsible Madrassas, but as we have seen in Karachi with those little girls being abandoned, some should simply be closed immediately