Blasphemy Law bill should 'immediately be withdrawn' from Pak NA: JUI-F

Karachi, Jan 9 (ANI): Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has asked the Pakistan Government to withdraw a private bill seeking an amendment to the country's Blasphemy Law.

"A private bill tabled in National Assembly seeking amendment in Blasphemy Law should immediately be withdrawn," Geo News quoted Fazl, as saying, at a press conference in Karachi after meeting with heads of various religious parties.

He also urged President Asif Ali Zardari to dissolve the committee, which had been formed to deliberate on the procedure of sentencing in accordance with the controversial Blasphemy Law.

Fazl expressed his intolerance over the actions being taken by the government against religious institutions in connection with Punjab Governor Salman Taseer's assassination, terming them 'bad intentions' and 'nefarious designs.' He also warned the government against a strong reaction from the people.

Citing the recent incidents of violence in Karachi, he called them a conspiracy that was being hatched to discourage people from taking out rallies and holding conferences on Tahaffuz-e-Namoos-e-Risaalat. (ANI)