Jashne Faiz – CFD Resolution

April 17: Karachi, you were wonderful tonight. Great event, attended by about 30,000 people. See the text of the resolution (long version as well as short version read out in the plenary) at the Citzens for Democracy blog. Congratulations to the CFD team for making this happen. This is our Pakistan.

The real Pakistan: report on CFD’s inspiring signature campaign

Every step of the way, each individual who comes out in support of this cause faces the question: Is it safe? There is no certain answer to this question. Call it lucky that so far no event, vigil or protest has been targeted. The threat remains, but those participating continue to move forward with the firm belief that raising a voice, “doing something”, is the need of the hour.

Statement on assassination of Salmaan Taseer

Citizens for Democracy, Pakistan: Position and Press Statement on assassination of Salmaan Taseer Karachi: Citizens for Democracy (CFD), a nation-wide umbrella group of political parties, trade unions, professional organisations, NGOs and individuals, strongly condemns the cold-blooded and cowardly murder of Salmaan Taseer. The unarmed Governor of Punjab was shot in the back in the most [...]

Overcoming ‘blasphemy law’ hype

It is a long term struggle, there are no overnight solutions. Governmentt doesn’t have a magic wand it can wave. It may take years but it will happen one day, if there is a sustained struggle and the political process continues.

Strategising to counter ‘blasphemy law’ hype

Many organisations and groups have been urging repeal of the blasphemy law. At this point, however, there is an urgent need to agree that the law is being misused, that it needs amendments and that no one has the right to murder anyone regardless of what they say or believe – Citizens for Democracy.

Asma Jahangir: setting the record straight re SCBA ‘resolution’

Asma Jahangi has denied reports published in several papers today that the SCBA passed a ‘resolution’ condemning any efforts to discuss, debate or change the ‘blasphemy law’ (Lawyers to lawmakers: Supreme Court Bar wants no changes to blasphemy laws) This is to deny that the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in its second executive committee [...]

PPC provisions against those inciting violence, hatred, murder

The mindset promoted by the ‘blasphemy’ laws is again highlighted by the recent case of a doctor in Hyderabad arrested for ‘blasphemy’ because he threw the visiting card of a medical representative (Pfizer employee) named Mohammad Faizan into the dustbin. I have been in correspondence with Asad Jamal, Advocate Lahore High Court, on possible action [...]

Aasiya blasphemy case: Field notes, petitions and a press release

The NCSW demands that Asiya Bibi, who has already spent a year in solitary confinement, should be immediately released and provided protection; and the Blasphemy Laws, which are violative of all norms of justice and have only served to strengthen extremism in society, should be repealed.

‘Kary Logar’ ain’t the issue

The traditional nexus between the religious right and the military is no secret. Superficial divisions surfaced after the army, under Gen. Musharraf, took a U-turn on its traditional pro-jihadi stand following the cataclysmic events of 9/11 but the bond remains strong. They share notions about defending Pakistan’s ideological frontiers and the ‘real enemy’ (India), and distaste for democracy (especially the Pakistan People’s Party).