KARACHI: All Parties Conference (APC) demands the Sindh government to repeal the anti-Islam bill, passed in Sindh assembly on the pretext of protection of minorities rights.
The bill binds youngsters in Sindh to keep their ancestral religion till the age of 18 years, which is in blunt defiance of Islam. It also binds newly Muslims not to disclose their Islam till 21 days and to spend this period at a safe house being run by the government where he will be briefed about other religions.
Leaders and representatives of around two dozen religious and political parties participated in the event, being hosed by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi at its headquarters Idara Noor-e-Haq on Friday.
On the occasion, a resolution, demanding that government to repeal the bill with immediate effect, was also passed unanimously. The resolution also mentioned that several companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW) including Hazrat Ali (RA) had accepted Islam in their early teen years.
JI deputy chief Asadullah Bhutto Advocate raised several questions on the content and the way in which the bill was passed. He raised the question that why the bill was passed in such a hurry. He also termed the condition of 21 days as illegal detention.
Sindh is a land of Sufis, people from 14 centuries have been accepting Islam in the motherland. Even, the British government did not dare to impose ban on accepting Islam, the JI leader said.
The bill is against the Constitution of Pakistan, basic principles of Islam and human rights, he said.
He said that the bill is a matter of life and death to the people of Sindh.
Bhutto said that PPP leaders have insulted the mandate, being provided by dwellers of Sindh. He added that before general elections, the leadership of PPP was running from one shrine to another. At that time, they were chanting the mantra of Islam and Sufiism and after assuming powers, the PPP leadership have been passing anti-Islam bills.
He cited the example of a converted Muslim lady doctor and others and challenged the government that not even in a single case of forcibly conversion was occurred in Sindh.
JI Karachi chief Engr. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman strongly criticized the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Pakistan People Party (PPP) and other mainstream parliamentary parties for exploiting Islam.
He said that all these parties chant the mantra of Islamic teachings where ever it helps them in achieving their personal interests but defy Islam and badly neglect Islamic teachings whenever it comes to their international masters.
Engr. Naeem also charged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf not raising their voice on such an important issue. He demanded of the PTI to make its stance clear on the bill. He added that no one would be allowed to play on both side of the pitch. He also said that PTI will have to declare either it is secular or with Islamism.
He appealed Ulema, religious scholars and other learned people to take the issue seriously. He thanked all party leaders for their participation in the conference.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sarwar Rajput said that the matter should be taken up with full force. He stressed the need to ponder that such type of legislation is being on the behest of whom. He alleged that those sitting in the Sindh assembly have been following their monitory benefits and have been dancing on the tunes of foreign powers. He hailed the role of JI in this regard and said, “We are standing shoulder to shoulder firmly with the JI against this bill.”
Qari Usman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam in his address strictly criticized Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah. He alleged that instead of fixing much awaiting issues, the newly appointed chief minister has been taking illogical decisions, resulting in anarchy and unrest among masses.
He added that it was a matter of grave shame and disrespect for the provincial government that such nasty bills were being passed in the provincial assembly of Sindh.
Makazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees leader Ashraf Qureshi said that a malicious campaign was being run to portray falsely that people from other religions, particularly Hindus in Sindh were being converted under some pressures. The bill is the next move and connected with the earlier one.
He said that Pakistan People Party has hit hard on its own roots while passing this bill. He urged political parties as well as masses to stand firm against this illogical bill.
Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JUD) leader demanded of the government to first reveal the names of those who forced any one to change his or her religion, if any one did so. He added that the Sindh government has presented a false picture of Pakistan through this bill. He assured JI and other parties for complete cooperation of his party.
Jaffer Subhani of Shia Ulema Council said that the provincial government will have to repeal this bogus bill. He warned that if the bill is not revoked it would be proved problematic for minorities themselves.
Tanzeem e Assataza (Teachers Association) leader Ajmal Waheed Khan termed the bill as black law. He went on to say that some thugs have assembled in the provincial assembly of Sindh. He demanded of the PPP leaders to think over what they did.
Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) Awan also spoke on the occasion. He hailed the role of JI for taking the issue up and assured his full support to JI in connection with the bill.
Aqeel Anjum of Jamiat Ulema e Pakistan said that unfortunately not even a single sane voice is representing people in the provincial assembly of Sindh. He stressed the need to deliver a strong message to those in the corridors of power.
Jamiat Gurba Ahl-e-Hadees leader said that the bill is against the Constitution of Pakistan as well as the ideology of Pakistan.
Several other leaders of various parties also addressed the conference.
