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Compiled by Steve Jalsevac

Pakistan: bishop urges caution as 50,000 Muslims praise blasphemy law

The large protest in Karachi—which included moderate Muslims, according to the BBC—featured banners praising the assassination of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, a politician who had spoken in defense of Asia Bibi, the Christian mother sentenced to death on blasphemy charges.

“All of our people need to be very careful. Saying anything can incite the mob,” said Auxiliary Bishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore. “We must not live in fear. We must have faith in God. But if we go on the streets to express ourselves at this time, it will create a negative reaction.”

AZERBAIJAN – Higher fines for people who meet to pray or read religious texts


Pakistan: Islamic party leader tells daughter of assassinated governor to remember her father’s fate and be quiet about blasphemy law


Mainstreaming Muslim Barbarism
– Catholic League

Pope calls for repeal of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws
– Jihadwatch
Reaction from Pakistan to the Pope’s comments will be interesting, to say the least. The response to Muslims who have dared to criticize the laws has been ferocious, with at least two death fatwas and an assassination so far. Then, the opinion of an uppity infidel, let alone the Pope himself (against whom they still harbor a grudge for quoting Michael Paleologus’ criticism of Islam), potentially sets the stage for another round of stellar displays of anger management.

Pakistani Muslims with the Pope for religious freedom and repeal of blasphemy law – Asia News

Blasphemy law: Pope’s call highlights split in Pakistani society – Asia News
Radical leaders and Islamic movements incite crowds and warn Christians against forming a party to repeal the law, a step that would bring chaos. The government denies it plans changes to the law. Civil society leaders appreciate Benedict XVI’s speech. Bilawal Bhutto defends minorities. Muslim intellectual calls for full religious freedom and a secular state.

Egypt, angry over pope’s remarks, recalls ambassador

The government of Egypt recalled its ambassador to the Vatican on Tuesday (Jan. 11) to protest a demand by Pope Benedict XVI that it better protect the country’s embattled Christian minority.