Re: Open letter to Nawaz Sharif
In addition, now is also the time for the President of Pakistan to muster up the courage and issue presidential ‘pardon’ for people like Ms. Asia Bibi and former Fulbright scholar Professor Junaid who are accused of committing “blasphemy” but whose only fault is that they belong to oppressed minority faith groups of Pakistan or, as is the case with the latter, allegedly had “liberal” views that are anathema to the country’s bigots. Let Asia Bibi go to Paris whose mayor offered asylum to her and her family. Allow Prof Junaid and others facing “blasphemy” charge-- which is a de-facto death sentence in Pakistan-- to leave the country and go to Canada, America or UK or any other country that is wiling to accept them. Those people have suffered tremendously for no fault, their families live every day in a state of anxiety and dread, fearful of the safety of their loved ones. There is no justice for them in Pakistan and even the rare brave lawyer who dares represent their case of someone accused of blasphemy gets shot. It’s high time to end the ordeal of all those people. The parasitic mullah brigades and their supporters will cry foul but enough of their blackmailing. Pakistan should not be allowed to be perpetually paralyzed by fear or held hostage by fanatics.