Page 9 - Pakistan Link - August 25, 2023

PAKISTAN PAKISTAN LINK - AUGUST 25, 2023 - P9
PM Kakar affirms election
UN protection sought for Jaranwala victims ‘goalpost’ in meeting with US envoy

n Anwar Iqbal Christian leaders, who organ- They said that extrajudicial actions,
ised Wednesday’s rally, traveled to fuelled by allegations of blasphemy,
UNITED NATIONS: Hundreds of Washing-ton on Friday to share their have generated concerns about mi-
Pakistani Christians protested outside demands with Pakis¬tan’s US envoy, norities’ rights to life, liberty, security,
the UN headquarters on Thursday Amba-ssador Masood Khan. and religious freedom enshri¬ned in
evening, urging the world body to take Earlier, Pakistani Christian lead- the Consti¬tution of Pakistan.
decisive action to protect Christians ers told the protest rally how an un- “Such attacks instill terror and fear
from mob attacks. substantiated allegation of blasphemy among the minority communities, fur-
Although it was a working day, against two local youths was used as ther undermining their sense of secu-
about 1,000 Chris¬tians came from an excuse to burn down churches and rity and religious harmony,” said the
across the US east coast to “show ransack homes in Jaranwala. resolution shared with the UN officials.
how the mob attacks in Jaranwala “Even crosses and holy books were The protesters demanded that an US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome meets caretaker Prime Minister
have hurt every Christian,” said not spared,” said Aron Bashir, a Re- FIR should be registered immediately Anwaarul Haq Kakar at Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad, on Friday.—Online
James Cyprian, one of the organis- publican leader of Pakistani origin against those who instigated the mob
ers of the rally. from Pennsylvania. attacks and an impartial task force or n By Saleem Shahid continuity during the period of demo-
The park outside the UN headquar- “We feel insecure in our own joint investigation team should probe cratic transition,” it added.
ters, which is reserved for protests homeland,” said Ziba Gill, another the incident. ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Min- The US ambassador called on PM
and rallies, was filled to capacity while Pakistani Christian activist. “We are They should also examine the ister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday Kakar and congratulated him on as-
some protesters were also marching now seeking protection from the role of law enforcement agencies assured US Ambassador to Pakistan suming office, reaffirming the United
on adjacent streets and roads. United Nations.” and their failure to intervene proac- Donald Blome that the caretaker gov- States’ commitment to supporting
Usually, such protests do not get The speakers also pointed out tively, they added. ernment’s main responsibility was to Pakistan’s economic and development
more than 100 to 200 people on a how Assistant Commissioner of The protesters urged authorities to assist the Election Commission of Paki- agenda. Meanwhile, in a social media
weekday. Jaran¬wala Shaukat Masih was trans- take immediate action against all mis- stan (ECP) in holding general elections. post on X, formerly known as Twit-
In a resolution shared with UN ferred the same day to appease the creants, including any government of- The PM reaffirmed the govern- ter, Donald Blome stated that during
officials, the protesters urged the culprits. ficials and/or law enforcement officers ment’s desire to further strengthen the meeting with PM Kakar, they reaf-
world body to persuade Pakistan to Pastors from different churches found complicit. bilateral cooperation with the US in firmed their steadfast commitment to
make laws to end future attacks on in New York, New Jersey, Pennsyl- The protesters also demanded a the key areas, including trade and in- the US-Pakistan relationship, support
minorities. vania, and other states addressed thorough investigation into the involve- vestment, energy, security, and climate for free and fair elections, and their de-
The resolution dem¬a¬n¬d¬ed the rally as well and offered special ment of local clerics in inciting mob change, said an official press release sire to work with and through the US
legislation to stop the misuse of blas- prayers for the victims. violence, with appropriate legal action issued by the Prime Minister Office Pakistan Green Alliance to build for
phemy laws, and to end the practice Leaders of other communities taken against any cleric found guilty. (PMO). the future.
of using blasphemy allegations for also addressed the rally and ex- They urged the Punjab government “The prime minister emphasised He also emphasised the importance
personal interests. It also urged the pressed concern over a gradual in- to compensate those whose properties that the caretaker government’s main of protecting religious minorities and
United Nations to play its role in guar- crease in attacks on minorities’ plac- were vandalised and stolen or burnt responsibility is to assist the Election maintaining the ongoing partnership
anteeing religious freedom and to stop es of worship in Pakistan, including and renovate the damaged churches Commission of Pakistan in the elector- with the International Monetary Fund
forced conversions. churches and temples. and properties. al process and provide constitutional for economic recovery.

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