All Pakistan Minority Alliance (APMA) on Monday observed protest day across the country on the failure of law enforcing agencies in the apprehension of killers of former minister Shahbaz Bhatti. Members of civil society, human rights activists and citizens belonging to the Christian community, on Monday, staged protest demonstrations across the metropolis over the assassination.
They staged protests near Churches and later, in front of Multan Press Club. They chanted slogans against terrorists and the recklessness of government authorities in this regard. The protestors asked for introduction of strict laws against communalism and spreading hatred on the basis of caste, colour or creed.
They said that the country's Christian citizens are being victimised by extremists, adding, "They were portrayed as agents of the West by extremist groups after Zia's regime, but sadly none of the political parties or leaders took stand against such notions at the time." They also pointed out, what they termed, the "double-faced attitude" of politicians like Maulana Fazalur Rehman, who just a month ago was against the discussion or amendment of the blasphemy law and is now gradually retreating and agreed for discussions over the misuse of the law.
Representatives from different NGOs, including APMA, Citizens for Democracy, Centre for Human Rights Education, Community Development Initiative, Christian Helpline, Pakistan Qaumi Masihi Party (Haqeeqi group), Maseehi Millat Party, Sweeper's Union, Jharo Kash Mazdoor Union, Maseehi Millat Party, National Commission for Justice and Peace and Christian Lawyers Association joined the protests.
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