Islamabad: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said his government has "no intention" of
amending Pakistan's blasphemy law, which has been at the
centre of a heated debate after liberals and rights activists
called for its repeal.
Gilani made the remarks during a meeting with a group
of ministers and parliamentarians that called on him this
evening, said a statement issued by the premier's office.
He said it was the Pakistan People's Party government
led by late Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto that introduced
the blasphemy law.
"Therefore any amendment in this law would be against
our party line," Gilani said.
Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, a senior PPP leader,
was assassinated earlier this month by a police guard who said
he was angered by the politician's opposition to the blasphemy
law.
Religious hardliners and opposition political parties
have stepped up pressure on the government not to amend or
repeal the controversial law.
Gilani said his government believes in taking all
political partners on board while deciding national issues.
The government is pursuing a policy of political
reconciliation and dialogue to solve the problems confronting
the country.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, February 01, 2011, 23:03