Liberal, secular forces want to amend blasphemy law: Fazl

LAKKI MARWAT: JUI-F chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman on Tuesday termed the lynching of Mashal Khan a depressing incident but claimed that some liberal and secular forces, taking advantage of the killing, were trying to amend the blasphemy law and bring a resolution in the National Assembly.

Talking to the media, Fazl said his party would oppose such moves, and claimed that abolishing the blasphemy law would create anarchy in the country. The pro-West parties wanted to get rid of the country’s Islamic identity, the JUI-F chief opined. He said the tragic Mardan incident was the result of the varsity administration’s incompetence. An attempt was made to fuel the difference by levelling unfounded allegations, Fazl said, adding that the culprits must be punished.

He argued that not implementing the blasphemy law to punish the blasphemers was the reason behind such frightening incidents. Fazl said the JUI-F was in contact with other religious political parties for a broad electoral coalition which, he claimed, was the desire of the people of Pakistan. He added that future plans related to elections and alliance would be discussed in the party’s next meeting.