Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

[Spock]

So much for the rights of minorities???

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\12\16\story_16-12-2007_pg7_3

Ahmadis boycott polls over ‘discrimination’
** Announce protest against separate voter lists

By Ali Waqar *

LAHORE: The Ahmadi community of Pakistan has announced that it will boycott the upcoming general elections because of what it claims to be religious discrimination by the Election Commission (EC) when it issued a separate list for Ahmadi voters in a joint electorate system, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya (JA) officials told Daily Times on Saturday.

They said that no community member would contest the elections or vote come election day, and those who did would no longer be considered part of the community.

Salimuddin, a spokesman for the JA, told Daily Times that following the display of the separate voter lists, he wrote a letter to the chief election commissioner (CEC), drawing his attention to the “stark violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed in the constitution and Pakistan’s international human rights commitments”.

“This is also contrary to the spirit of justice and equality. Since the inception of Pakistan in 1947 to the time of General Ziaul Haq, all national elections were conducted on the basis of the joint electorate system. This was in line with the vision of the founding father of the nation and was enshrined in the 1973 Constitution,” he said.

Unfortunately, he said, during the government of Ziaul Haq, the joint electorate system was replaced by separate electorates, which gave rise to sectarianism and religious intolerance.

The letter reminded the CEC that President Pervez Musharraf’s government took the decision to restore the joint electorate system, which was a step in the right direction. However, he said, the practical outcome of the change was not as real as it might appear. “There still happens to be a section of society that is discriminated against on the basis of religion … Ahmadis’ votes are registered only if they dissociate themselves from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), something which is not possible for any Ahmadi to do in light of our religious belief and practical life,” he said in the letter. EC Secretary Kunwar Dilshad had no clear answer to the complaint.

[Khehkeshan]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

So now you are the champion of Ahmadiyya rights!. :D

[Spock]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@Khehkeshan

So now you are the champion of Ahmadiyya rights!. :D

Focus on the article 'bhaiyey' not me.

[Ali_R]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

Maybe Ahmadis are the only group Musharraf failed to bribe by making deals on the table rather under it.

[system]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@Khehkeshan

So now you are the champion of Ahmadiyya rights!. :D

No, its was the dictator who was supposed to champion their rights as they fall into the category of Minorties..

This just refutes what was said about the dictator that he supports the right of minorites.

[Rebel_X]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@Spock

So much for the rights of minorities???

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\12\16\story_16-12-2007_pg7_3

Ahmadis boycott polls over ‘discrimination’
** Announce protest against separate voter lists

By Ali Waqar *

Unfortunately, he said, during the government of Ziaul Haq, the joint electorate system was replaced by separate electorates, which gave rise to sectarianism and religious intolerance.

The letter reminded the CEC that President Pervez Musharraf’s government took the decision to restore the joint electorate system, which was a step in the right direction. However, he said, the practical outcome of the change was not as real as it might appear.

“There still happens to be a section of society that is discriminated against on the basis of religion … Ahmadis’ votes are registered only if they dissociate themselves from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), something which is not possible for any Ahmadi to do in light of our religious belief and practical life,” he said in the letter. EC Secretary Kunwar Dilshad had no clear answer to the complaint.

so what I am reading it as that ahmedis were screwed over royally when Zia created the seperate electorates that were only abolished when musharraf took office, wich is seen as a step in the right direction.

the remaining issue is how ahmedis are treated over all and whether theya re considered muslims or not.

I do recall something a few years ago when there were movements to try and get that dreaded religion column in the passports taken off, and many people had a cow at that. The courageous thing at that time would have been to just go against the popular opinion espcially of certain political parties and just make it an executive ordinance.

the result may have been that this issue being raised would not exist now. too bad that was not done. The govt should declare ahmedis as muslims and not ask them to be registered as ahmedis or noted as ahmedis as they have had to do since Zulifqar Bhutto started the whole witch hunt.

[system]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

so what I am reading it as that ahmedis were screwed over royally when Zia created the seperate electorates that were only abolished when musharraf took office, wich is seen as a step in the right direction.

the remaining issue is how ahmedis are treated over all and whether theya re considered muslims or not.

I do recall something a few years ago when there were movements to try and get that dreaded religion column in the passports taken off, and many people had a cow at that. The courageous thing at that time would have been to just go against the popular opinion espcially of certain political parties and just make it an executive ordinance.

the result may have been that this issue being raised would not exist now. too bad that was not done. The govt should declare ahmedis as muslims and not ask them to be registered as ahmedis or noted as ahmedis as they have had to do since Zulifqar Bhutto started the whole witch hunt.

The whole passport issue one of Musharafs lowest moments... Despite his commitment to liberal moderation, whatever that means, he still bowed before the religous parties...

[Rebel_X]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

I agree, He should have just told the parliament to go screw itself and made it an executive order.

[Shamraz_Khan]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

I agree, He should have just told the parliament to go screw itself and made it an executive order.

Well, under the law any presidential has to be approved by the parliament. The president can only issue an ordinance when the NA is not in session, and it expires after 120 days.

[zobia]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@Rebel_X

the result may have been that this issue being raised would not exist now. too bad that was not done. **The govt should declare ahmedis as muslims **and not ask them to be registered as ahmedis or noted as ahmedis as they have had to do since Zulifqar Bhutto started the whole witch hunt.

are you muslim? do you even know why they are declared non-muslims?

ps. its better if they sooner realize the fact that they are NOT Muslims, otherwise you cant call black, white.

if they really wana fight for their right then they better do so as Pakistani!

[system]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@zobia

are you muslim? do you even know why they are declared non-muslims?

ps. its better if they sooner realize the fact that they are NOT Muslims, otherwise you cant call black, white.

if they really wana fight for their right then they better do so as Pakistani!

Nice to know Zobia is there too give her two cents… Between the supporters of dictatorships and the holier then thou religous fundos, one is left shaking ones head at the state of Pakistan…

[zobia]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@PaKpatriot1

Nice to know Zobia is there too give her two cents… Between the supporters of dictatorships and the holier then thou religous fundos, one is left shaking ones head at the state of Pakistan…

kher brother i do understand your feelings. but facts remain facts. (Islam and Qadiyaniat are different from each other)

besides, ahmediz are doing a very sensible job of boycotting it, though the reason is different (but in reality its a waste of money of 16 million ghreeb awam and waste of time since and that LM is going no where, hence full-time drama )

[system]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@zobia

kher brother i do understand your feelings. but facts remain facts. (Islam and Qadiyaniat are different from each other)

besides, ahmediz are doing a very sensible job of boycotting it, though the reason is different (but in reality its a waste of money of 16 million ghreeb awam and waste of time since and that LM is going no where, hence full-time drama )

I dont know why you people care if they are Muslim or not.. Kher sister, worry about getting yourself through the gates of heaven and leave the declerations of who is or isnt a Muslim to God himself… Focus on whats most important to your life and is most immediate to you…
Meanwhile, lets respect the fact that we are all humans who have a right to believe whatever religion we want and call ourselves whatever we want… Its all a matter of faith, and faith is without logic or reason or proof..

[zobia]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@PaKpatriot1

I dont know why you people care if they are Muslim or not.. Kher sister, worry about getting yourself through the gates of heaven and leave the declerations of who is or isnt a Muslim to God himself… Focus on whats most important to your life and is most immediate to you…
Meanwhile, lets respect the fact that we are all humans who have a right to believe whatever religion we want and call ourselves whatever we want… Its all a matter of faith, and faith is without logic or reason or proof..

what ya mean we care?''it hurts a lot when we can not call people one of us, but in fact they are same (look wise) as us " dont you care yourself why people say so?

in fact you know dont even listen to people (i am so out of these sects thingee )

i am born muslim, my parents get me Quran-hadiath education (that i didnt understood at that time). but now i do find many discrepancies exist between actions of elders and teachings. so now its totally my personal duty to go and find out what is the right way! there is no excuse for me to not to go and correct myself.

i do ask people am i doing a right thing! cuz more than getting a jannah, it should be matter of attaining happiness when you put smile on your Muslim brother, or sisters face. (jannah is a hope, and hope from ALLAH SWT that he gives you one)

finding knowledge and looking for way to execute that knowledge should be a never ending process. so i believe you should also seek the truth

[system]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@zobia

what ya mean we care?''it hurts a lot when we can not call people one of us, but in fact they are same (look wise) as us " dont you care yourself why people say so?

in fact you know dont even listen to people (i am so out of these sects thingee )

i am born muslim, my parents get me Quran-hadiath education (that i didnt understood at that time). but now i do find many discrepancies exist between actions of elders and teachings. so now its totally my personal duty to go and find out what is the right way! there is no excuse for me to not to go and correct myself.

i do ask people am i doing a right thing! cuz more than getting a jannah, it should be matter of attaining happiness when you put smile on your Muslim brother, or sisters face. (jannah is a hope, and hope from ALLAH SWT that he gives you one)

finding knowledge and looking for way to execute that knowledge should be a never ending process. so i believe you should also seek the truth

Uff… This is the politics section Zobia.. Go start a thread on this in relgion.. I still think its a waste of ones time, and worse, ones life, to discuss such inane issues of religous doctrine… Again, focus on whats real and leave relgion out of this… In the end you can neither prove anything in relgion or convince anyone else of your beliefs… So why even bother… Its pointless and we shouldnt care about something so trivial and irrelevant when there are so much more immediate and tangible problems to face.
And thats the god honest truth.

[Ali_R]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

the result may have been that this issue being raised would not exist now. too bad that was not done. The govt should declare ahmedis as muslims and not ask them to be registered as ahmedis or noted as ahmedis as they have had to do since Zulifqar Bhutto started the whole witch hunt.

Not so true. He declared them to non muslims, but the actual witch hunt started at times of the tyrant Zia. Special racist Laws were made to not consider Ahmadis themselves as muslims offically. I still remember that one "assalamo-alaikum" by an Ahmadi sentenced him to 3 years of jail!!! Which is still the case.
If Mushy wants some appreciation from Ahmadia community then It's high time to change some laws.

[Rebel_X]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

Not so true. He declared them to non muslims, but the actual witch hunt started at times of the tyrant Zia. Special racist Laws were made to not consider Ahmadis themselves as muslims offically. I still remember that one "assalamo-alaikum" by an Ahmadi sentenced him to 3 years of jail!!! Which is still the case. If Mushy wants some appreciation from Ahmadia community then It's high time to change some laws.

Okay so ZA Bhutto started this whole mess, and Zia only made it worse. and the only person who even tried to bring this topic up in any serious manner was Musharraf. its sad thathe buckled under pressure of the parliament, he should have just gone thru with it as an executive ordinance.

Or ppl like Iftikhar Chaudhry should have taken Sou Moto notices of this discrimination to end this.
Supreme court had time to admonish apop singer on his lyrics though..

does not seem to be a major issue on any political parties agenda either.

so ahmedis continue to deal with the mess that would have not been there had ZA BHutto not started it.

[Ali_R]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

Okay so ZA Bhutto started this whole mess, and Zia only made it worse. and the only person who even tried to bring this topic up in any serious manner was Musharraf. its sad thathe buckled under pressure of the parliament, he should have just gone thru with it as an executive ordinance.

Or ppl like Iftikhar Chaudhry should have taken Sou Moto notices of this discrimination to end this. Supreme court had time to admonish apop singer on his lyrics though..

does not seem to be a major issue on any political parties agenda either.

so ahmedis continue to deal with the mess that would have not been there had ZA BHutto not started it.

X, don't you think a person like Zia influenced by Saudi Wahabism wouldn't have come to such ideas himself?
I'm not justifying what ZAB did at his times, but just to make you think. One day or another this had to happen. When I consider Ismailis enjoying enough freedom in our country why can't Ahmadis?

I personally believe, that parties like PML and the PA itself will never let such changes happen. Therefore even the most modern Guru of all times in Pak cannot succeed in changing such laws.

[Khehkeshan]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

@Spock

Focus on the article 'bhaiyey' not me.

Mush abandoned separate electorate. What do you think Immi's first step would be if he ever God forbid became PM? That's right - roll back joint electorate.

[system]

Re: Ahmadia community to boycott elections due to discrimination

Mush abandoned separate electorate. What do you think Immi's first step would be if he ever God forbid became PM? That's right - roll back joint electorate.

Why would he do that? Chief Justice has shown himself to be very considerate of the rights of the poor... Thats one of the reasons he had gotten into trouble, for yanking the ears of some very corrupt and powerful individuals...