Pakistanis hold rally over blasphemy law

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/159359.html


Thousands have taken to the streets of the southern Pakistani city of Karachi to protest proposed amendments to the country's blasphemy law.

More than 40,000 demonstrators blocked the main road and shut down all markets in the port city of Karachi.

It is one of several protests in the past few weeks, triggered by lodging of a bill by former information minister to abolish the death penalty for blasphemy.

Former Information Minister Sherry Rehman from the ruling Pakistan People's Party sparked public fury after introducing a motion seeking to abolish the death penalty for blasphemy.

Proponents of the move in government say some political groups were misusing this law against minorities.

Strikes and protests went ahead despite officials saying the government had no intention to amend the controversial law. Experts say the strikes had more to do with politics than religion.

Sunday's demonstration follows the Tuesday assassination of Governor of Punjab Salman Taseer by his bodyguard. Officials said he was killed because of his opposition to blasphemy law.

Taseer's death is expected to further fuel instability in the country.

The developments come at a time when the Islamabad government is trying to tackle growing militancy and the economic crisis in the country.