Gilani says no plans to amend blasphemy law

Islamabad, Jan 31 (PTI) Prime Minister Yousuf RazaGilani today said his government has "no intention" ofamending Pakistan''s blasphemy law, which has been at thecentre of a heated debate after liberals and rights activistscalled for its repeal.

Gilani made the remarks during a meeting with a groupof ministers and parliamentarians that called on him thisevening, said a statement issued by the premier''s office.

He said it was the Pakistan People''s Party governmentled by late Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto that introducedthe blasphemy law.

"Therefore any amendment in this law would be againstour party line," Gilani said.

Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, a senior PPP leader,was assassinated earlier this month by a police guard who saidhe was angered by the politician''s opposition to the blasphemylaw.

Religious hardliners and opposition political partieshave stepped up pressure on the government not to amend orrepeal the controversial law.

Gilani said his government believes in taking allpolitical partners on board while deciding national issues.

The government is pursuing a policy of politicalreconciliation and dialogue to solve the problems confrontingthe country.