Faisalabad: July 22, 2010. (PCP) Mr. Asif Kalyan, Convener and Chairman of Pakistan Minorities Rights PMR have strongly condemned murder of Rasid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel, two Christian Brothers in Faisalabad. Mr. Kalyan said that blasphemy law is root cause of murder of Christian Brothers and hundreds have been victimized under this law. Over the past decades, a number of laws have been adopted that have undermined the values on which the nation was built. The constitution for example ensures that “non-Muslim cannot become president or prime minister.” Indeed, “in some cases, they are denied the right to be judges or trial lawyers,” the Christian activist said. This perpetuates “social and professional discrimination in the workplace, business and public offices.” The blasphemy laws, he noted, are proof that in Pakistan there is no separation “between state and religion”. What is more, some groups in government, parliament, the military, police and even the courts “support confessional fundamentalism and ideologies promoted by extremists.” Pakistan Minorities Rights spreading campaign of violence against religious minorities of the past few decades, which culminated in the introduction in 1986 of the now infamous blasphemy laws by dictator Zia-ul-Haq. Under such laws, anyone who defiles or desecrates the Quran or the name of the Prophet Muhammad can get life in prison or the death penalty. “Pakistan is the only Muslim country that has this kind of rules. Other nations like Indonesia, Nigeria and Bangladesh are examining whether they too should adopt similar legislation,” he said. A popular movement bringing together Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, Sikhs and Muslims, who are also victims of the blasphemy laws, to fight discrimination and violence is not enough. The government must make an effort “to eradicate fundamentalism from the country”. The international community must also be brought on board since it “is already involved on the Afghan front against the Taliban who have found a refuge in inaccessible areas along the border.” “The battle for democracy in Pakistan must be backed by a common front that includes the government, the Christian minority and the international community. It must lead to legal and constitutional reforms that protect democratic principles and respect human rights.