Liberal Islamic NGOs, including 2 Maulanas (Religious Scholars) Issue Statement in Pakistan

Release Dr. Younis Sheikh, His statement is not meant Blasphemy.

A Network of NGO's (based at Bahawalpur Division) has passed a resolution
in favor of Dr. Younis Shiekh.

August 21, 2001 - An emergency meeting was held to discuss the problem of Dr. Younis Sheikh who was sentenced to hang to death by the lower court of Islamabad. The forum has decided to launch a campaign if the conviction is upheld in the High Court. In the meeting of
Network for Human Rights Activists (NERA) Pakistan, the following representations of the Organizations / Networks were Present.

1. Jaag Welfare Movement (A Movement for awareness)
2. Bazam-e-Faiz (A Literary Forum for Secular minded/liberals)
3. Pakistan Peoples Party (The Struggles Group)
4. Network for Community Empowerment, Bahawalpur Division
5. Punjab NGO's Coordination Council, Bahawal Pur Division
6. Jameat - Ahal-e-Hadees

Mr. Abdul Rub Farooqi (In-term Coordinator NHRA) said, "In Pakistan this law was misused by Islamic zealots to pressurize the religious minorities and liberal Muslims." Those organizations who are demanding that the Blasphemy Act remain on the Statute Books are committing Blasphemy themselves by denying the preaching of Islam or Prophet Muhammad (SAW) because they strictly followed  Imam Abu Hanifa (Leader of the Hanfia). This
is actual Blasphemy.

Mr. Muhammad Ramzan Jatala (A Lawyer &  President of Bazam-e-Faiz) said, "If a person is guilty of Blasphemy, this is a matter between him and God. God will give him the punishment. We have not powers to give punishment for this crime to any body especially religious
minorities.

Maulana Maqsood (a Liberal Religious Scholar) said, "Islam  has not defined any punishment regarding this type of crime. There is no Muslim who can think to degrade the Prophet's personality. Why we are crossing the limits of Allah by making such laws.

Maulana Bashir Ahmad Haseem (Religious Scholar of Jameet-Ahl-e-Hadees(Followers of Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H)  said, "In many Hadiths (Saying of Holy Prophet PBUH) , there are clearly written that the Parents of the Prophet were not Muslims. He quoted the
Reference from Saheeh Muslim (a Book of Sayings of Holy Prophet).  So Dr. Younis Sheikh is not guilty of Blasphemy.

In the last, all the members of the meeting demanded of General Pervaiz Mushraf release of Dr. Younis Sheikh and asked or provision of security to him.

Abdul Rub Farooqi
In term Coordinator
Network For Human Rights Activists (Pakistan)