The article “Walking the tightrope on Pakistan's blasphemy laws” (Jan. 1, 2011) highlights the potential danger the laws pose to civil society. Any attempt to amend or repeal these laws is bound to give rise to dangerous reactions. A high-powered committee of international experts on Islamic law should be constituted to advise and guide Pakistan on blasphemy laws.
G. Azeemoddin,
Anantapur
That Aasia Bibi's fate hangs precariously between life and death is unfortunate. Rights activists across the world should rise to save the life of this hapless woman and fight against growing religious intolerance.
N.C. Sreedharan,
Kannur
I strongly condemn Aasia Bibi's prosecution. Such practices do not have religious sanction. Let us recall an instance from the life of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). When he went to Ta'if, he was insulted and opposed for his message. Angel Gabriel asked the Prophet, “what do you want me to do with these people?” He answered: “Leave them, one day they will become good people.”
Today, Ta'if is one of the most beautiful places in Saudi Arabia. Aasia's persecution amounts to a misrepresentation of Islam.
Syed Tahoor Tariq,
Ghaziabad
In this age of secularism, democracy and socialism, it is hard to believe that there are nations in which people are hunted down in the name of blasphemy. In the lowered eyes of Aasia Bibi, we can see the fear that state-sponsored anti-people laws instil in defenceless victims.
C.V. Sukumaran,
Palakkad
