This week’s theme gravitates about the Freedom
This week’s theme gravitates about the Freedom. It doesn’t talk about the career tippers, but it talks about the importance of freedom of choices and religion. Being an Asian raised in the western world, I had many privilege in terms of freedom of choices, educations, religion, and relationships. I had the privilege to select my career I’ve been raised in a household that respect all religions. This piece of work by no means undermine that religion. We wish to bring an awareness that a more equalitarian society is needed.
I hope this piece won’t offend anyone, because I love all of viewers no matter your race, your height, your religion and your personality (as long as you are a kind person.) Mr. Bhatti has worked for over 17relentless years to bring a more equalitarian society to many marginalized Christian Pakistan people oppressed by religion. He has been pushing for a change in Blasphemy law. In the process, he lost his brother, Shahbaz Bhatti, but has managed to save more than 32 families locked in a refugee camp in Thailand. Hope you will enjoy this piece just as much as I enjoyed this interview!!
J: Could you tell us more about the ICV? P.Bhatti: ICV was created in the year of 2000. My brother Shahbaz Bhatti desired an international platform through which he can assist the religious minorities of Pakistan. He felt that having an international stage to raise the issues of religious minorities would be helpful for the marginalized, victimized people of Pakistan. He wanted ICV to be the voice of the voiceless on an international stage.
J: I heard Pakistan has the toughest sanctions when it comes to blasphemy law. So you get fined or sentenced to 1 year in jail for saying something against Mohammed. Is that true? Do you think you can elaborate on that?
P.Bhatti: Let me explain it more clearly. There’s blasphemy law exist throughout the world, even in Canada. But it does not cause danger to human beings. It is used to respect the religion, so no one can discredit the holy book of Koran, Jesus, or any holy book.
In 1985, there was a dictator that ruled our country, named Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. He had full control of the country. Since he paid allegiance to the Muslims in the country, he started using the Law 295B-C.
The law 295 section B-C stipulate, if you discredit the Koran, you will be sentenced life imprisonment, and a couple of thousand dollar fine. If you disgrace the name of Mohammed, you have a death sentence. For example, if I am a Christian. And they ask me, do you believe in Mohammed. If I said no, it would mean I am a blasphemer and I deserve the death penalty.
J: So under that circumstances, did a lot of people from different religion run away because of this law?
P.Bhatti: Have you heard of Asia Bibi? (A Pakistani Christian sentenced to death in 2010 for blasphemy) Asia Bibi was working in the field with her coworkers. And there was a well in that working field, and everyone is taking water using a specific pot. When she went there, her pot fell into well. And since she belongs to Christian faith, other women accused her of being “unclean”, and contaminated the water when her pot fell in the well. In order to purify the water, they requested Asia to convert to islam, to purify the water. She refused.
So she became a blasphemer. Now, she has been in prison for more than 6 to 7 years now. No one wants to hear her case. Since the extremist in Pakistan are so strong, whoever will support the case will get murdered.
**Mr. Peter Bhatti’s brother, Federal Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Bhatti, died because of his support for Ms. Asia Bibi. Salmaan Taseer, Governor of punjab also got murdered due to his support to her case.**
J: What do you want to tell people, about your cause?
P.Bhatti: I want to tell people Canada is a beautiful country. We have all kind of voice and freedom of speech, religion, and we can achieve everything. But it is important not to take it for granted. Let’s think of those that do not have this kind of privilege. It is our duty to help those that do not this type of opportunity.
Now Mr. Peter Bhatti, along with his family, sponsor Pakistan Christian families that are living in Thailand jail cell as refugees because they want to find refuge from the blasphemy law in Pakistan.
Find more about ICV, and Peter Bhatti at: http://internationalchristianvoice.com/icv/