INTRODUCTION
All Pakistani Minorities Alliance popularly known as APMA, is a countrywide organization of all the religious minorities of Pakistan. So, the religious minorities of Pakistan, namely, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Balmeeks, Bheels, Maingwals, Zoarstrains, Bhasis, Kelashes and others are the members of APMA. Many organizations of the minority communities, by integrating themselves in APMA, have joined it. Thus, APMA has emerged as a uniting force, which has brought together the non-Muslim citizens of Pakistan on one platform.
The religious minorities, ever since the creation of Pakistan, have remained less privileged and thus backward. In respect of their religion-political and socio-economic rights, they are considered citizens of a lower grade. Due to institutionalized discrimination and discriminatory laws their fundamental rights, many a time, are refused or abused. Hence, their plights have remained unchanged during the 55 years history of the country.
In order to discover permanent solution of the above stated contentious issue, All Pakistan Minorities Convention was held on July 14, 2002, at Islamabad, which was participated by the representatives of all religious minorities from all the four provinces of Pakistan,
Church heads, leaders or other religious communities, representatives of parochial organizations from all over the country, members of NGOs and the CBOs ex-Parliamentarians and people of religious minorities, attended the convention.
This was for the first time in the history of Pakistan that men and women from all the religious minority communities gathered together at one platform. It was at this representative forum that All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) was formed.
By dint of a mandatory decision, the minority’s convention unanimously chose Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti as the Chairman of All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA).
The main aim of the formation of APMA is to forge unity among the religious minorities of Pakistan so that, from a common and single platform, peaceful struggle could be launched to secure, preserve, protect and promote minority’s religious, social, economic and political rights. It is mandatory upon APMA to enhance the understanding of human rights, to propagate democratic norms and to assist in extremism could be alleviated, tendency of dividing Pakistani Nation on the basis of religious could be mitigated and struggle could be accelerated to build a better democratic and progressive Pakistan according to the ideals of our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Islamabad 13th Dec 2010
The All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) held a consultation meeting on 11th Dec 2010 in Islamabad to discuss the Blasphemy Laws. Representatives of religious minorities, Parliamentarians, Church leaders, religious scholars and members of civil society participated in the meeting.
The consultation meeting was presided over by The Federal Minister for Minorities Mr Shahbaz Bhatti.
The Federal Minister for Human Rights Mumtaz Alam Gilani was the Chief Guest.
The participants of the day long consultation meeting discussed the blasphemy laws, its misuse, and its repercussions on innocent people belonging to both religious minorities and Muslims. They formulated a strategy to sensitize and mobilize all stake holders on this issue.
The participants viewed with concern the growing extremism and intolerance in society as well as the negative repercussions of the blasphemy laws, and their growing misuse.
They observed that the blasphemy laws are discriminatory and easily abused as a tool by individuals to settle personal scores, vendettas, economic, socio-political and religious disputes.
The participants appreciated President Asif Ali Zardari?s expression of concern by taking notice of Asia Bibi?s case.
They appreciated the Federal Minister for Minorities, Mr Shahbaz Bhatti?s tireless and courageous efforts to promote interfaith harmony, religious freedom and rights of religious minorities in Pakistan. The participants expressed support for all endeavors undertaken by the Minister for Minorities, and expressed confidence in his leadership.
The participants demanded that the Government take adequate measures to stop the gross judicial and extra-judicial misuse of the Blasphemy Laws against any community immediately. They also demanded that all those allegedly accused under the blasphemy laws be provided adequate police protection by the State, as this is its fundamental responsibility under the Constitution.
The Federal Minister for Human Rights Mr Mumtaz Alam Gillani expressed solidarity with the religious minorities and stated that no one should be allowed to misuse the Blasphemy Laws. He stated that equality among religious communities is vital.
He extended his complete support and solidarity to the Federal Minister for minorities and vowed to stand by him as he endeavors to attain equality and justice for the religious minorities of Pakistan.
Mr Shahbaz Bhatti Federal Minister for Minorities stated that the religious minorities are enduring the brutalities of the blasphemy laws and are victims of discriminatory law.
?These Laws need to be repealed or reformed in order to stop its persistent misuse? the Minister stated.
He appreciated all those who raise a voice for religious equality and interfaith harmony within the county.
He further said that the Blasphemy Law was a controversial law which is mostly used by radical elements to create anarchy and violence in society.
As far as Asia Bibi?s case is concerned the Federal Minister stated that he will make every effort to obtain justice for her.
The Church Leaders, Parliamentarians, members of religious minorities and civil society also shared their views at the meeting.
At the conclusion of the meeting the participants signed a petition addressed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani.
In which they stated that the Blasphemy Laws have long been misused against the religious minorities and Muslims in Pakistan and that the Blasphemy Law is an ?open ended law? which makes it easy to be used as a tool by individuals to settle personal scores, vendetta, economic, social, cultural and religious disputes, innocent people are continuously being victimized under the pretext of these Laws.
Through the Petition they also brought to the notice of the Prime Minister that from 1947 to 1985 there were no registered cases of Blasphemy, attacks or violence in this regard in Pakistan, but after the amendments and additions in PPC Section 295, brought about by the Dictator General Zia-ul-Haq in 1986, hundreds of innocent people have fallen victim to this Law, a number of Christian colonies have been set ablaze and numerous people have been killed by vigilante mobs extra - judicially under the Blasphemy Laws.
Therefore they unanimously resolved and reiterated that the discriminatory Blasphemy laws, in principle, must eventually be repealed but need to immediately be appropriately amended, in order to stop their persistent misuse.
They further urged the Prime Minister that keeping the existing environment of the country in mind the reforms of the Blasphemy legislation must be looked into as a matter of urgency.
The petitioners, demanded that that immediate action be taken against Cleric Yusef Qureshi, Imam of Mahabat Khan Mosque in Peshawar who has announced that if Asia Bibi is not executed his mosque will give a reward of Rs 500,000/- to anyone o killed her. They demanded complete protection for Asia Bibi both in and out of prison.
The tireless and courageous efforts of the Federal Minister for minorities? to promote interfaith harmony and the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan were appreciated and they pledged complete confidence in his leadership and support for all his endeavors.
The petition was signed by Church leaders (all denominations), Parliamentarians, eminent members of the various religious minority communities and civil society.
The following personnel also spoke on the occasion:
The Rev. Bishop Rufin Anthony (Secretary General Catholic Bishop?s Conference, Bishop of Rawalpindi/Islamabad), The Rev. Bishop Samuel Azaria (Moderator Church of Pakistan), The Rev. Bishop Alexander John Malik (Bishop of Lahore, Church of Pakistan), The Rev, Bishop Humphrey Peter (Bishop of Peshawar Church of Pakistan), The Rev. Victor Azariah (Secretary General National Council of Churches Pakistan), The Rev. Dr Liaqat Qaiser (Full Gospel Assembly Pakistan), Dr. Khalid Masood (Islamic ideology Council of Pakistan), Group Captain (Rtd) Cecil Chaudhary (COSAP), Ms. Asia Nasir (Member National Assembly), Ms. Najmi Saleem (Member Punjab Assembly), Mr. Tahir Naveed Ch.(Member Punjab Assembly), Mr. Prince Javed (Member Khayber-Pukhtoon-khua Assembly), Prof. Mehar Dad Yousaf (Representative of Bahi Community), Sardar Mastan Singh Mastan (Representative of Sikh community), Dr. Ashok Chand (Representative of Hindu community), Pastor Anwar Fazal (Internal Life ministry Pakistan), Mr Jamshaid Rehmatullah (Ex Judge Lahore High Court Lahore), Ms Tahira Abdullah, (Human Rights Activist), Mr Ishaq Massih (Advocate High Court).
Independent Pakistani Media
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The All Pakistan Minorities Alliance is helping flood victims beyond all religious boundaries
By Jawad Mazhar
Special Correspondent for ANS, reporting from Pakistan MUZAFARGARH, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Many Pakistani living in southern Punjab's cities affected by the devastating floods are being helped by the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA).
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A Pakistani boy 'sailing' down a flooded street
(Photo: AFP)
| And we can reveal that this much-needed aid is being given to people from various different religious backgrounds. This news was revealed to the ASSIST News Service by Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities' Affairs and the head of APMA, in an exclusive interview.
Mr. Bhatti, himself a Christian, explained in the interview that "the masses living in appalling conditions" were being helped by APMA "beyond the religious boundaries" and "purely on the humanitarian grounds."
He stated that already APMA has distributed more than 1,000 gift packages worth more than US$47,365.31. Each gift pack is worth about US$47.36, he said.
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Shahbaz Bhatti on the right
| Mr. Bhatti said that a gift pack included food items, medicine, an hygienic kit and utensils, and these were being distributed amongst Christians, Hindus and Muslims who live in the affected areas of Multan, Muzaffargarh, Jampur, Khan Bailaan and Rajan Pur, all in southern Punjab, Shahbaz Bhatti said he moved into action after being "overwhelmed with the grief stricken scenes of devastation and misery of the flood victims."
The APMA chief also announced that he is initiate]ing a survey so that his group can register all flood stricken Christians and other religious minorities.
Christian provincial legislator, Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, also accompanied Mr. Bhatti for the interview, said that APMA has "deputed relief teams" to all the flood affected areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh.
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The Pakistan Army handing out aid to flood victims
| Replying to my question, Bhatti said these APMA relief teams would "trace and ensure provision of essential, proper and regular support" to all flood victims "irrespective of their color, caste and creed." He added that a coordinator is now being appointed in each province to "supervise the relief and rescue activities" of the APMA flood relief teams.
Bhatti also said that the APMA planned to move into the inundated areas of Sindh province particularly the most affected areas/cities of Shikar Pur, Sukkher and Thatha from where more than 1 million people have vacated their homes due to the expected flood because of the possible breaches or overflow of a nearby dam.
"I have seen terrible scenes of sorrow, pain and sadness," he told ANS. "I have witnessed babies crying for milk as they lay in the laps of their helpless mothers and also seen hapless fathers frustrated because they felt they had failed to provide shelter and other necessities for their families."
Shahbaz Bhatti said that although government and other NGOs were providing help to all flood victims irrespective of their faith, even then their efforts were "less than the required."
In his interview, the Federal Minister once again appealed all international donors and Pakistani donors to not only to pray, but also to extend their hand and help APMA provide the flood affected masses with all kind of help "without any discrimination."
All donors can get more information about how they can help with this vital aid by sending an e-mail to: apmapk@gmail.com
Press Release by Shahbaz Bhtti regarding Flood Relief efforts.
ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Urgent relief and rescue activities launched for stranded Pakistan Christian flood victims
Young people also join together in prayer for the dire situation in their country
By Jawad Mazhar
Special Correspondent for ANS, reporting from Pakistan ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Stranded Pakistani Christians are now receiving much-needed emergency help from a group called the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA).
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People flee the flooded areas in Basera, near Muzafargarh in Punjab province
(Photo: EPA/Matiullah Achakzai)
| Massive rains and subsequent flooding in Pakistan have claimed the lives of thousands of people and left millions homeless across the country. The floods that began nearly a month ago with hammering monsoon rains in the northwest have now affected more than 17 million people, the U.N. estimates. Most of the 1,500 or so deaths that have occurred took place early in the flooding, but the crisis still is growing say sources within the country.
The ASSIST News Service (ANS) has learned that on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, the APMA "Flood Relief and Rescue Team," led by Punjab's Christian provincial parliamentarian, Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, moved into action with their vital humanitarian work under the direction of Shahbaz Bhatti, the country's Federal Minister for Minorities.
Mr. Chaudhary has visited our local ANS office and apprised our news service about the flood relief and rescue operation being carried out by the APMA for the stranded and overwhelmed Christian flood-stricken masses particularly, but also for other re ligious minorities affected by the disaster, deemed the worst in Pakistan's history.
The Parliamentarian explained that a special meeting, chaired by himself, was conducted under the auspices of APMA at the National Press Club of Islamabad.
Other eminent APMA politicians who attended the seminar were Mrs. Najmi Saleem, a Christian provincial legislator and the APMA women's wing coordinator for Punjab province, Prince Javed, Christian legislator of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, and Naveed Aamir Jeeva, a former parliamentarian and presently a member Central Executive Committee APMA.
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Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, Christian legislator, addresses a gathering in Muzafargarh regarding another matter
| Chaudhary said that, during the meeting, a plan was devised by APMA to help the stranded flood victims. He revealed that over 1,000 APMA activists were immediately deputed for flood relief and rescue operations.
"Cooking oil, dry milk, sugar, rice, wheat flour, biscuits and other edible items worth about USD $355,23.97 have now been distributed among the flood victims from Peshawar, the capital city of KP province, to Sargodha in Punjab province," Mr. Chaudhary said in an exclusive interview by ANS.
He also revealed that APMA teams had visited churches, Hindu temples and Sikh Gurdwara's, to help stranded Christians as well as other religious minorities.
ANS was also apprised that a campaign to collect funds and gifts by APMA activists has been was initiated.
"Our activists will go door-to-door and collect finds and gifts for the flood-stricken masses all across Pakistan," Chaudhary added, "Christian clergymen and other dominant Christian elders have pledged that they will help APMA activists to achieve th eir goal."
Both Mr. Bhatti, who is the head of APMA, and Mr. Chaudhary, a member of the Central Executive Committee of APMA, have now appealed foreign donors and international organizations to help APMA during this tough time.
Both of these Christian leaders have said that the devastation was terrible and hoped that all Pakistani and overseas donors would extend their hands to help APMA bring relief and aid to the flood victims.
Chaudhary added that now APMA was planning to "survey southern Punjab's inundated areas" which he said "includes the terribly-hit Muzafargarh city and adjoining areas."
"APMA plans to distribute tents, blankets, medicine and edibles there," he said. "Therefore APMA must be helped by all God-fearing Pakistani individual donors and also international donors."
ANS has also discovered that an APMA youth prayer meeting has been held for the flood victims at their head office in Sargodha, a city located in Punjab province in the northeast of Pakistan. It was conducted under the cha ir of Bishop Pervaiz Joseph, and Rev. Nasir Masih. The Christian young activists of the age range from 15-20 yrs participated in the prayer.
After the prayer meeting, Mr. Chaudhary, Mrs. Rubina Tasneeem, a Christian rights defender and member of local government Sargodha Assembly, Farrukh Tanvir, APMA youth leader Sargodha region, addressed the participants and urged them to not only to continue to pray for the flood victims but also participate in flood relief and rescue operations during their summer vacations.
Tanvir also urged the Christian youths to "forge unity, discipline and honesty in their ranks and work for the flood victims as well as study for the development of Pakistan."
Note: Christians are the second largest religious minority community in Pakistan after Hindus. The total number of Christians in Pakistan is approximately 2,800,000 in 2008, or 1.6% of the population. Of these, approximately half are Roman Catholic and half Protestant. There also is a sizable minority of a group called the New Apo stolic Church.
For more information on how you can donate to the APMA flood appeal, please send me an e-mail at: jawadmazhar123@yahoo.com
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