Rights group urges Blair to press Pakistan to repeal blasphemy laws

Published: 2006-11-16

LONDON (CNS) -- A human rights group has urged British Prime Minister Tony Blair to press for the repeal of Pakistan's blasphemy laws amid claims that accusations against Pakistan's Christian minority are at an "all-time high." The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement wrote to Blair, asking him to raise the issue of the laws when he meets with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Nov. 19 during his trip to Pakistan. The center, based in London and Lahore, Pakistan, helps persecuted Christians in Pakistan. The number of Christians accused of blasphemy hit a record high in September, the month when Pope Benedict XVI quoted from a medieval text referring to Islam and violence, according to the group. Nasir Saeed, the group's coordinator, told Blair in his Nov. 13 letter that Christians were "living with a constant threat to their lives."

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