Amendment in blasphemy law: JUI-F, JI threaten to besiege parliament

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and Jamat-e-Islami (JI) on Friday threatened to besiege the parliament if the bill of amendment in the blasphemy law is tabled in National Assembly. The activists of the two religious parties staged a protest rally here at Karachi Company after Jumma prayer against the proposed move to bring amendments in the blasphemy laws.
The participants were chanting slogans against the government and carrying placards inscribed with slogans in support of the blasphemy laws. JUI-F Secretary-General, Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, in his address said that any move to amend the blasphemy laws would be resisted with full force and the party will not compromise on "Tahafoz-e-Namoos-e-Resalat", saying it is ready to render any sacrifice in this regard.
He further said JUI-F has held countrywide protests against the proposed amendments in the blasphemy laws and will also observe strike on December 31 across the country. He appealed the countrymen, particularly traders' community to co-operate to make the strike a success. Another leader of JUI-F, Dr Zafar Jamali warned that the parliament will be sieged if the proposed amendment is presented in National Assembly.
Expressing his views, JI Islamabad chapter chief, Mian Aslam said some so-called democratic and secular parties are supporting amendments in the blasphemy laws, however, he made it clear that they will not let such forces succeed in their nefarious designs.
He further said that neither president nor Prime Minister is authorised to pardon Asia Bibi, the person accused of blasphemy. Rather, he added, she (Asia) should prove her innocence in the court of law. He also said that no one would be allowed to amend the laws on foreign dictation, adding that the aim behind the move is to please the foreign 'master' of the rulers.