Open letter to The President, Prime Minister, Interior Ministry, Chief Justice, Chief Ministers, and heads of all political parties, Pakistan
March 11, 2011: Hundreds of academics, columnists, writers, doctors, lawyers, businessmen and women, IT professionals, students, journalists and others from Pakistan and around the world, besides over 90 organisations from Pakistan and abroad, have endorsed this Open letter to The President, Prime Minister, Interior Ministry, Chief Justice, Chief Ministers and heads of all political parties, Pakistan to protest the murder of Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti and demand action against calls for violence and vigilante action. To endorse, please state your NAME, PROFESSION & CITY at the comments section of this post, or email cfd.pak@gmail.com. UPDATE: Phenomenal response at the CFD camp in Karachi where some 15,000 people signed copies of this letter to post to the authorities (see blog post).
Open letter to The President, Prime Minister, Interior Ministry, Chief Justice, Chief Ministers, and heads of all political parties, Pakistan
Re: Murder of Shahbaz Bhatti and demand for action against calls for violence and vigilante action
The murder of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Minority Affairs, again highlights the rampant lawlessness in Pakistan and the impunity with which the “forces of violence” act against “whoever stands against their radical philosophy,” to quote the late Mr Bhatti. These “forces” find fertile ground to operate in an atmosphere where calls to vigilante action are publically made and celebrated.
We urge the government and its functionaries to swiftly apprehend, charge, try and punish Mr Bhatti’s murderers, and also to take immediate measures to curb this trend.
We urge all political parties and parliamentarians to take a clear stand on this issue: No citizen has the right to cast aspersions at the faith and beliefs of any other citizen or to term someone else a ‘blasphemer’.
We urge the federal and provincial governments, the judiciary and the security and law enforcement agencies to ensure protection for those, like former information minister Sherry Rehman, who are publicly threatened by extremists
Some immediate steps that must immediately be taken include:
1. An urgent and meaningful shift in the long-standing policy of appeasing extremists, by the security establishment, the judiciary, the political class and much of the media, with a few honourable exceptions.
2. Hold accountable and charge under the law those who incite hatred and violence; zero tolerance for any public labeling of anyone as ‘blasphemer’, which in the current situation is an incitement to murder, even brazen declaration of criminal intent and commission of a crime. Some recent examples of such incitement are:
– Maulana Yousuf Qureshi, Imam of the Mohabbat Khan Mosque, Peshawar, announced a Rs 500,000 award for the murder of Asia Bibi if the Lahore High Court acquitted her of blasphemy (reported on December 3, 2010, a month prior to the murder of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer; some newspaperseven wrote editorials supporting this call for murder.)
– Banners placed at public places in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi-Islamabad by “Tehreek-e-Nifaz-Tableegh-e-Islam” terming Tehmina Durrani as Pakistan’s Taslima Nasreen and demanding that she be hanged. These must be removed forthwith and the organisation, and administrative officers who allowed these banners to be placed, proceeded against.
3. Prevent the rising number of ‘blasphemy’ cases being registered, by laying down and enforcing a law whereby no such cases may be registered without being inquired into by a judicial magistrate.
(endorsed)
Individual endorsements (alphabetical), followed by organisational endorsements
A. Zuberi, Healthcare Research, Washington, DC, USA
A. H. Nayyar, Educationist, LUMS, Lahore, Pakistan
Aamer Saiyid, advocate, Karachi, Pakistan
Aasia Arif, Educationist, Karachi, Pakistan / NY, USA
Aazar Ayaz, The Researchers, Islamabad, Pakistan
Abbas Rashid, journalist, Lahore, Pakistan
Abdul Hamid Bashani Khan, Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Abdul Majeed, Student and activist, Lahore, Pakistan
Abdul Qayyum Khosa, Management Consultant . Toronto, Canada
Abida Iffat, Internal Auditor, Karachi, Pakistan
Abu Bakr Agha, Student, University of Illinois, Chicago,IL/ Islamabad Pakistan
Adam Malik, Human Rights Activist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Adnan Adil, Senior Financial Analyst, HBG Holdings, Private Equity/Investment, Dubai, UAE
Adnan Malik, Media/Filmmaker, Karachi, Pakistan
Adnan Rehmat, Media Development Specialist and Writer, Islamabad, Pakistan
Aditya Mishra, Engineer, Houston. Texas, USA
Afaf ur Rehman, Student, Montreal, Canada
Afia Aslam, Writer/Editor, Karachi.
Agha Imran Hamid, concerned citizen, Islamabad, Pakistan
Ahmad Ali Khalid, Writer, Columnist/Student, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K.
Ahmad Ali Latif, chartered accountant, Islamabad, Pakistan
Ahmad Rafay Alam, lawyer, Lahore, Pakistan
Ahmed Chinoy, chairman Citizens Police Liaison Committee, Karachi, Pakistan
Ahmed Yusuf, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Ahsan P. Daredia, Student, Thinker, Activist, Carrollton, Texas, USA
Dr Aijaz Ilmi, Daily Siyasat Jadid, Kanpur, Lucknow, India
Aisha Amir Ahmed, Educator, Lahore, Pakistan / Abu Dhabi, UAE
Aisha Gazdar, filmmaker, karachi, Pakistan
Aisha Sarwari, DG Marketing, PBIT, Lahore, Pakistan
Dr Akmal Hussain, Distinguished Professor of Economics, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan
Ali Alam, Architect, Karachi, Pakistan
Ali Ansari, Microblogger, Islamabad, Pakistan
Ali Raza, student, Oxford, U.K.
Ali Zeeshan Ijaz, Researcher, Daejeon, South Korea
ali zaidi, artist, curator MotiRoti, London, U.K.
Dr Alina Mirza, Public Health Specialist, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
Aliya Salahuddin, filmmaker, London, U.K.
Aman Haque, corporate/commuincation executive, Karachi, Pakistan
Ambareen Kazim Thompson, Shehri, Karachi, Pakistan
Amber Paracha, Banker, Karachi, Pakistan
Amena H. Saiyid, journalist, Washington DC, USA
Amima Sayeed, Educational Policy Researcher, Teachers’ Resource Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
Amir Yusuf Chaudhry, Deputy Director Minhaj Productions (a Directorate of Minhaj-ul-Quran International)
Amjad Mirza, editor “Taseer” magazine, PPP UK Media Cell, Eastbourne, U.K.
Ammara Durrani, Project Director & Strategic Communications Specialist Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Islamabad, Pakistan
Amna Khalique, Features Editor/ Dawn.com, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Amrita Chhachhi, sociologist, Holland and New Delhi, India
Andy McCord, writer, New York, USA
Anis Haroon, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women, Islamabad, Pakistan
Anis Dani, Development Practitioner, Virginia, USA
Anjali Monteiro, Academic and filmmaker, Mumbai, India
Anqa Zarish, URI youth ambassador 2011 (ASIA), Student, Sargodha, Pakistan
Ansar Burney, Expert Advisor on Human Rights at United Nations, Chairman; Ansar Burney Trust International, Karachi, Pakistan
Anthony, Educator and media figure, Karachi, Pakistan
Anthony Parrott, Business Analyst, Reading, Berkshire, U.K.
Anushe Hassan, Student, University College London, U.K.
Anwar Iqbal, Correspondent, Dawn, Washington, DC. USA
Arsalan Khan, PhD Candidate, Charlottesville, USA/Karachi, Pakistan
Arslan Younus, factory worker in Moss, Norway / Jhelum, Pakistan
Asghar A. Kazim, Investment Planner, NJ, USA
Asad Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Cambridge, USA
Asad Sayeed, economist, Karachi, Pakistan
Asif Saad, Executive, Karachi, Pakistan
Asif Saeed Memon, Graduate student, Washington, DC, USA
Asma Shabab, Masters Candidate at Annenberg, USC, Los Angeles, CA
Atiqa Odho, actor, social activist, Karachi, Pakistan
Arif Jamal, journalist and author, New York, USA
Arnold Xavier, student, Karachi, Pakistan
Aruna Hussain, Consultant, Sydney, Australia
Asad Badruddin, Student, Karachi, Pakistan
Asad Jamal, advocate High Court, Lahore, Pakistan
Asif Alam, Trading Technology executive, New York, USA,
Asif Hanafi, Pakistani, Paris, France
Asif Saad, Executive, Karachi, Pakistan
Asma Jahangir, Chairperson Emeritus, Human Rights Commission of Ava Cowasjee, Businesswoman, Karachi, Pakistan
Ayesha Abdul Razzak, Teacher, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Ayesha Jalal, Mary Richardson Professor of History/ Director, Center for South Asian and Indian Ocean Studies, Tufts University, USAAyesha Ijaz Khan, Lawyer/Columnist, London, U.K.
Ayesha Khan, social science researcher, Karachi, Pakistan
Ayesha Tammy Haq, lawyer, Karachi, Pakistan
Ayesha Siddiqa, political analyst and author, Islamabad, Pakistan
Ayoub Shan, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), Organization Coordinator, Karachi, Pakistan
Aysha Qaiser, Stay-at-home mum, Guangzhou, China
Aysha Raja, bookseller, Lahore, Pakistan
Azad Qalamdar CEO, Global Desi Foundation Karachi, Pakistan
Babar Ayaz, Journalist and communication consultant, Karachi, Pakistan
Babar Sattar, lawyer/columnist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Baber Ghayoor Siddiqi, Artist, Mexico
Baela Raza Jamil, Director Programs ITA, Director Institute for Professional Learning, Lahore, Pakistan
Basharat Saeed, Research Supervisor, International Growth Centre, Lahore, Pakistan
Beena Sarwar, journalist, Cambridge MA, USA / Karachi, Pakistan
Behram Francis, National Commission for Justice and Peace, Lahore, Pakistan
Bemisal Iqbal, Student. Karachi. Pakistan
Bilal Zubedi, Writer, Karachi, Pakistan
Bina Shah, writer, Karachi, Pakistan
Bishop Dr. Ijaz Inayat Masih, Karachi, Church of Pakistan
Britta Petersen, Country Director, Heinrich Boell Stiftung, Lahore, Pakistan
Burhan Ahmad, Business Consultant, Karachi, Pakistan
Burhan Uddin Abro, Student, Karachi, Pakistan
Bushra Khaliq, Women Rights Activist, National Coordinator World March of Women, Lahore, Pakistan
Carla Sassi, University teacher, Verona, Italy
Cassandra Balchin, freelance researcher, London, U.K.
Chand Khurshid, home maker, Ontario, Canada
Chris Cork, Editorial consultant, ‘The News’, Resident in Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Cyrus Ghahramani, student, London, U.K.
Dania Khan , Graduate Student, Boston
David Barsamian, Director, Alternative Radio, Boulder, CO, USA
Dawood Mamoon, Director, Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dohra Ahmad, teacher, Brooklyn, NY, USASr. Elizabeth Young, Port Augusta, Australia
Eric Rahim, educator and political analyst, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
Ethan Casey, writer, http://www.ethancasey.com, Seattle, USA
Fahim Zaman Khan, former administrator Karachi City, Pakistan
Faiza Karamali, Teacher, Karachi, Pakistan
Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim, former Governor Sindh, former Judge of the Supreme Court, Pakistan
Farah Jafri, Teacher, Chicago, IL, USA
Farhad Mirza, Literature and Creative Writing Student, London, U.K.
Farhat Firdous, Aahung, Karachi, Pakistan
Farheen Hussain, Research Analyst, Lahore, Pakistan
Faria Syed, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Farid Alvie, media and marketing, Sharjah, UAE
Farida Shaheed, Shirkatgah, Lahore, Pakistan
Farieha Aziz, Journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Fariz Merchant, Student, Szabist, Karachi, Pakistan
Farooq Tariq, spokesperson, Labour Party Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
Fasi Zaka, Columnist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Fatima Mullick, Khudi Pakistan, Karachi, Pakistan
Fatima Zafar, Social Worker, Multan, Pakistan
Fauzia Minallah, artist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Fauzia Rafiq, Author, Vancouver BC, Canada
Fauzia Tariq, Public Health professional, Washington, DC, USA
Fauzia Wahab, Information Secretary PPP, Pakistan
Fauzia Yazdani, The Consulting Researchers, Islamabad, Pakistan
Fawzia Afzal-Khan, profession and activist, theatre and gender studies, New York, USA
Fauzia Viqar, Shirkat Gah, Women’s Resource Centre, Pakistan
Feroze Jamal, senior executive, Karachi, Pakistan
Firuza Pastakia, Editor, Karachi, Pakistan
Fizza Shahid, undergrad student at SZABIST, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Georgie Wemyss, Lecturer, London, U.K.
Ghazal Asif Farrukhi, Student, Karachi, Pakistan
Ghazanfar Khan, software engineer, Houston, TX, USA
Dr. Ghazala Kazi, physician, West Virginia, USA
Ghulam Mustafa Lakho, advocate, High Court, Karachi, Pakistan
Gita Sahgal, Women Against Fundamentalism, London, UK
Gul Bukhari, Journalist, Lahore, Pakistan
Gulalai Ismail, Chairperson, Aware Girls, Peshawar
gulshan bhatti, Executive Director, Society for Awareness and Development (SDA), Peshawar, Pakistan
Hafeez Ullah, Project Engineer, Karachi, Pakistan
Hala Bashir, Architect, Resettling the Indus, Lahore, Pakistan
Hameed Haroon, CEO, Dawn Media Group, Pakistan
Hameed Maker, Director Helpline Trust, Karachi, Pakistan
Hamza Javaid, Student, Karachi, Pakistan
Hamza Qaiser, Associate Producer, Aaj News, Islamabad, Pakistan
Haris Gazdar, researcher, Karachi, Pakistan
Hasil Bizenjo, Senator National Party, Pakistan
Hassan Ijaz Khan, Manager, Barclays Bank PLC
Hasan Zaidi, Filmmaker / Journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Hassan Ijaz Khan, Manager, Barclays Bank PLC, Dubai, UAE
Hassan N. Gardezi, retired professor, Peterborough, ON, Canada
Hilda Saeed, working committee, WAF, and Shirkat Gah Collective, Karachi, Pakistan
Hira Azmat, student, Lahore, Pakistan
Hoori Noorani, Publisher, Karachi, Pakistan
Huma Rife, homemaker Indiana, USA
Husnain Lotia, architect, Karachi, Pakistan
I. A. Rehman, Director, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
Iffat Aslam, Development Consultant, Karachi, Pakistan
Iftikhar Ahmad, journalist & talk show host, Geo TV, Lahore, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Ijaz Khan, Chairman, Department of International Relations, University of Peshawar, Ijaz Syed, IT Consultant, San Jose, CA, USA
Ilyas Inderyas, Director, Al-Falah Without Walls, Quetta, Pakistan
Dr. Ilmana Fasih, Gynecologist and Health Activist, TABEER – EmpowerSHE, Mississauga Canada
Imaduddin Ahmed, Op ed writer & investor, Boston, USA
Imrana Khwaja, lawyer/journalist, London, U.K.
Imran Khan, Economist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Imran Munir, Academic, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
Imtiaz Gul, Journalist / Executive Director, Centre for Research and Security Studies, Islamabad, Pakistan
Iram Shahzad, Human Resources Specialist, Washington DC, USA
Irfan Ali, President, Human Rights Commission For Social Justice and Peace Quetta, Pakistan
Irfan Husain, columnist, Karachi, Pakistan
Irum Aftab Musharraf, COO Naya Jeevan micro-insurance social enterprise, Karachi Pakistan/ San Francisco, USA
Ismet Jawwad, Artist Lahore, Pakistan
Iqbal Alavi, Irtiqa Institute of Social Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
Jacqueline Raza-Heyboer, embassy employee, Islamabad, Pakistan
Jahangir Piara, Organization for Peace and Development (OPD), Lahore, Pakistan
Janet Stavros, Retired Registered Nurse, St. Cloud, MN, USA
Jehan Ara, Technopreneur, Karachi, Pakistan
Jennifer Bennett, Development Consultant, Islamabad, Pakistan
Jon Abbas, Management Consultant, Kazakhstan
Jonas Weltan, Graduate Student, Boston, USA
Joseph C. Gerson (PhD), educator/organizer, American Friends Service Committee, Boston, USA
Judith Extross, Personal Assistant, Karachi, Pakistan
Junaid Malik, Student, University of Waterloo, Canada
Junaid Zuberi, business executive, Karachi, Pakistan
Kalsoom Lakhani, Director, Social Vision ML Resources, Washington, D.C.
S. Kamal Abdali, Consulting Scientist and Retired Professor, http://geomete.com/abdali, Arlington, VA, USA
Kamran Chaudhry, Bureau Chief, Union of Catholic Asian News (The News Agency for the Churches of Asia), Lahore, Pakistan
Kamran Shafi, columnist, Wah, Pakistan
Kamran Noorani, Businessman, Karachi, Pakistan
Kamyla Marvi, activist, Karachi, Pakistan
Kapil Raj, Professor, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris, France
Kaneez Fatima, community worker, Peshawar, Pakistan
Karamat Ali, Executive Director Piler, and Chairperson BOG Sungi Development Foundation, Karachi, Pakistan
Karl Jacoby, Professor and Acting Chair, Spring 2011, Department of History, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
Kent Greenfield, Professor of Law and Law Fund Research Scholar, Boston College, (institution listed for identification purposes only), Newton, MA. USA
Khawar Mumtaz, CEO, Shirkat Gah Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
Khurram Husain, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Kishwar Naheed, poet, women’s rights activist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Kulsum Marvi, Educationist & Concerned Citizen, Karachi, Pakistan
M. Bugi Ansari, artist, Holland
M. Junaid Arshad, Banker, Lahore, Pakistan
Madeeha Gauhar, Director Ajoka Theatre, Lahore, Pakistan
Madiha Tahir, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Mahbina Waheed, entrepreneur & activist, Lahore, Pakistan
Maheen Adamjee, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Maheen Usmani, freelance journalist, Paris, France
Mahnaz Nadeem, Lawyer, London, U.K.
Mahnaz Rahman, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation, Karachi, Pakistan
Mahvish Inayat, Student, London, U.K.
Maajid Nawaz, Founder of Khudi, London, U.K.
Majida Razvi, Justice (retired), Sindh High Court, Karachi, Pakistan
Malik Rashid, Taxi Driver, Toronto, Canada
Manahil Zafar, Student, Lahore, Pakistan
Manizhe Ali, Artist / Filmmaker, Karachi, Pakistan
Manju Parikh, Ph.D., Professor, Political Science, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, MN, USA
Manzur Ejaz, columnist, Washington DC, USA
Marcus Eneland, Economist, Brussels
Maria Khan, Student, Baltimore, MD, USA
Mariam Bilgrami, Manager Projects – PeaceNiche/T2, Karachi, Pakistan
Mariam Faruqi, Lawyer/Researcher, London, U.K./Islamabad, Pakistan
Mariam Reza, Teacher, Karachi, Pakistan
Mariam Zahid Khandwani, student BBA (finance and economics), Vancouver, Canada
Marian Sharaf, Journalist/Peace Activist, Lahore, Pakistan
Marianne Saulwick, University lecturer, Dubai, UAE
Maryam Sadiq, Teacher, CEO NCAE, Lahore, Pakistan
Marvi Sirmed, independent columnist and rights activist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Maryana Haq, banker, Karachi, Pakistan
Masood Ashar, Editor Mashal Books(NGO). Former Editor Daily Imroze, Columnist, Fiction writer, Lahore, Pakistan
Masood Ashraf Raja, Professor (from Rawalpindi), Denton, TX USA
Dr Max Farrar, Emeritus Professor, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK
Mazhar Arif, Executive Director, Society for Alternative Media and Research (SAMAR), Islamabad, Pakistan
Mazher Hussain, Confederation of Voluntary Organisations (COVA), Hyderabad, India
Meera Ghani, Social and Environmental Activist, Brussels/Lahore, Pakistan
Mehwash S. Ansari, Publishing, Karachi, Pakistan
Merle Nolde, Coordinator, Pax Christi St. Cloud, St. Cloud, MN, USA
Meryem Malik, M.D., U.S.A.
Mifrah Haq, student, Boston, USA
Mimi Khan, Homemaker, London, U.K.
Mirza Ali, Pakistan Youth Outreach http://www.pakyouthoutreach.com, Hunza, Pakistan
Mir Zulfiqar Ali, Director Programmes, National Organisation for Working Communities, Islamabad, Pakistan
Misbah Naqvi, Non-profit Business Development, New York, USA
Muhammad Sultan, Researcher, London, U.K.
Mohammad Tahseen, South Asia Partnership, Pakistan
Mohammed Hanif, journalist/writer. Karachi, Pakistan
Mohsin Sayeed, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Moid Alam, Software Development Engineer, San Francisco, CA, USA
Mola Bux Leghari, Executive Director, SPEECH Development Organisation, Dadu, Pakistan
Moneir Aslam, Businessman, Islamabad, Pakistan
Mosharraf Zaidi, Columnist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Muhammad Yousuf Ahmad, Researcher, Montreal, Canada
Mueen Batlay, activist and government official, Islamabad, Pakistan
Muhammed Malik, co-chair of the Miami-Dade Green Party, Florida, USA
Mumtaz Mughal, Regional Coordinator, Aurat Foundation, Lahore, Pakistan
Murad Khan, Psychiatrist, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Murtaza Khwaja, medical doctor, President, Zimmedar Shehri, Lahore, Pakistan
Musadiq Sanwal, Editor Dawn.com, Karachi, Pakistan
Mustafa Tapal, Businessman, Karachi, Pakistan
Naazish Ata-Ullah, artist, Lahore, Pakistan
Nabila Bhatti, student, St. Cloud, MN, USA
Nadeem F. Paracha, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Naeem Haroon, Project Coordinator, Centre for Human Rights Education, Pakistan
Naeem Sadiq, concerned citizen, Karachi, Pakistan
Nafees Shah, educator, Lexington, MA, USA
Naila Aziz Ahmed, Realtor (r), McLean, USA
Dr. Naila Baig-Ansari, Consultant Epidemiologist, Karachi, Pakistan
Najam, Electrical Engineer, Lahore, Pakistan
Najma Siddiqi, Sr. Sustainable Development Specialist, Washington DC, USA
Najmi Alam, President PPP, Karachi, Pakistan
Najmi Hasan, Master Mariner, Karachi, Pakistan
Nancy Bohrer, Attorney, Chicago, IL, USA
Nariman Ansari, Photographer, Karachi, Pakistan
Naseem Shekhani, physician, St Louis, MO, USA
Natasha Ansari, Education Reformer, Karachi, Pakistan
Natasha Shoaib, homemaker and mother, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nasreen Jalil, former naib nazim, MQM, Karachi, Pakistan
Nasser Ahmad, finance, Islamabad, Pakistan
Nasim Zehra, journalist and TV anchor, Islamabad, Pakistan
Nasir Arain, businessman, Karachi, Pakistan
Nasir Mansoor, Nasir Mansoor, Deputy General Secretary, National Trade Union Federation, Pakistan
Naumana Suleman, human rights activist, Lahore, Pakistan
Nausheen Ahmad, Advocate, Karachi, Pakistan
Naveed Shinwari, Community Appraisal & Motivation Programme, Islamabad, Pakistan
Naveen Naqvi, Cofounder Gawaahi.com, Karachi, Pakistan
Naveen Qayyum, communicator, Khanewal, Pakistan
Nayab Shah, Student, Lahore, Pakistan
Nazia Ansari, civil society organisation worker, Islamabad, Pakistan
Naziha Syed Ali, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Neelam Shah, Women’s Action Forum, Simorgh, Lahore, Pakistan
Nicole Wolf, Lecturer, London, U.K.
Niilofur Farrukh, Art Critic/ Art Activist, Karachi, Pakistan
nimra bucha, theatre and television artist, Karachi, Pakistan
Noman Quadri, student, Karachi, Pakistan
Noreen Mumtaz Gulwani, Social Scienes student, Szabist, Karachi, Pakistan
Nosheen Ali, University of California, Berkeley.
Nughma Siddiqi Hillfram, Businesswoman, Karachi, Pakistan
Nuzhat Aziz Ahmad, Physician, Philadelphia, USA / Karachi, Pakistan
Nuzhat Kidvai, Women’s Action Forum, Karachi, Pakistan
Nyla Qayoom, Art Curator, Dubai, UAE
Omar Ali MD, Doctor, Wisconsin, USA
Omer Iqbal, Student, Singapore
Omer Tariq, Consultant, London, UK
Oosman Sadiq, Faculty Member ICMAP, Karachi, Pakistan
Pamela Rodrigues, Development Worker, Karachi, Pakistan
Peter Jacob, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), Pakistan
Prisca Benelli, Graduate student, Boston, USA
Qamarullah Choudhri, Journalist, APP Islamabad, Pakistan
Quratulain Ali khan, Journalist, New York, USA
Quddus Khokhar, Architect, Lahore, Pakistan
Rachel Smith, Graduate Student, Boston, USA
Raheel Raza, Activist. Toronto, Canada
Rakshanda Anderson, Legal Secretary, London, U.K.
Rakhshanda Naz, Women’s Action Forum, Peshawar, Pakistan
Rao Abid Hamid, human rights activist & retired armed services officer, Lahore, Pakistan
Rashid Rehman, Advocate High Court, Multan, Pakistan
Dr Ravikumar Stephen J,, Management Consultant, Madras, Tamizh Nadu, India
Raza Rumi, editor, columnist, Lahore, Pakistan
Rehan Hussain, Student, Cambridge, U.K.
Rehana Hakim, Editor Newsline, Karachi, Pakistan
Rehana Shaikh, Development Consultant, Islamabad, Pakistan
Rehmat Ebrahim, Education and Learning, Karachi, Pakistan
Rida Tahir, content writer, Karachi, Pakistan
Rija Rasul, Student, University of Toronto, Canada
Risha A. Mohyeddin, Banker, Dubai, UAE
Roland deSouza, Engineer, Karachi, Pakistan
Roha Daud, Student, Pakistan
Rosemary Paul, Programme organizer, national Commission for Justice and Peace, Lahore, Pakistan
Roshan Dhunjibhoy, freelance consultant, Pakistan/Thailand
Dr Ruqaiya Hasan, Professor Emeritus, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
MRwail Sirmed, student, grade 6, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. S. Akhtar Ehtisham, P.O. Box 469, Bath NY, USA
S. M. Ali Abbas, Economist, Former Rhodes Scholar from Pakistan, Resident in Bethesda, MD, USA
Saadia Haq, Journalist and Trainer, Islamabad, Pakistan
Saad Hafeez, Student, London, U.K.
Saba Hamid, Artiste, Lahore, Pakistan
Saba Quraishi, Human rights activist/Artist, Connecticut, USA
Sabahat Ashraf (“iFaqeer”); Communicator, Fremont, California, USA
Sabeen Mahmud, Founder/Director, PeaceNiche, Karachi, Pakistan
Sabina Ansari, Media and Social Change Agent, Karachi, Pakistan
Sadia Khatri, Student, Karachi, Pakistan / MA, USA
Sadia Nayyar, Student, Social Development Studies and psychology, Kitchener, ON, Canada / Karachi, Pakistan
Saeed Ahmed Rid, Past Rotary World Peace Fellow 2004-06, Commonwealth Scholar 2009-12, Ph.D. Peace Studies, Univeristy of Bradford, U.K.
Saeed A. Rana, Consultant (Engineering), Potomac, Maryland, U.S.A
Saeeda Diep, peace activist & educationist, Lahore, Pakistan
Safina Javed, Human Right Activist, Pakistan
Safia Beg, classical vocalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Safwan R. Sabqi, Sales Executive, Dubai, UAE
Sahar Ahmed, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Sahar Ali, NGO executive, Karachi, Pakistan
Sahar Shafqat, Professor, Washington DC, USA
Saif Karamali, Director, Checkseal Production house Pvt Ltd, Karachi, Pakistan
Saima Deen, Nieman Affiliate, Cambridge MA, USA
Samia Haque, Professional, Islamabad, Pakistan
Saima Hayat, student, University of Karachi, Pakistan
Sajjad Anwar, Image Management Consultant, Lahore, Pakistan
Saleha Haque, Researcher, Islamabad, Pakistan
Prof. Salima Hashmi, Dean, School of Visual Arts and Design, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan
Dr. Salman Ahmad, Artist, UN Goodwill Ambassador & Activist, New York, USA
Salman Javaid, Student, Lahore, Pakistan
Salman Mani, Area Manager World Call, Lahore, Pakistan
Salman Naveed Khan, Quality, Health, Safety & Environment Consultant, Lahore, Pakistan /Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Samar Farooqui, Housewife, Toronto, Canada
Samar Minallah, filmmaker, Islamabad, Pakistan
Sameen Khan, research analyst, Washington, DC, USA
Sameer Hamid Dodhy, Managing Committee member – Shehri-CBE, Karachi, Pakistan
Sameera Raja, Founder / Curator, Canvas Gallery, Karachi,
Samina, Amn O Fun Artists Kids group, Geneva, Switzerland
Dr. Samina Ahmad, Co-founder and CEO of SSGWI,New York, USA
Samina Noman, Lawyer/Mediator, Karachi, Pakistan
Samina Rahman, Educationist, Lahore, Pakistan
Samreen Shahbaz, student, Lahore, Pakistan
Samson Salamat, Director, Centre for Human Rights Education, Pakistan
Sana Abid, Law student, East Lansing, MI, USA
Sana Jafrani, concerned citizen, Karachi, Pakistan
Sana Saleem, journalist Gawaahi.com and medical student, Karachi, Pakistan
Sanam Taseer, Art Dealer, Lahore, Pakistan
Sarah Suhail, Lawyer, Lahore, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Sarfarz Khan, Director, Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Saroop Ijaz, Lawyer, Lahore, Pakistan
Sarwat Amir, Banker, Karachi, Pakistan
Sattar Rind, writer, Hyderabad, Pakistan
Shabina Ayaz, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation, Peshawar, Pakistan
Sehba Sarwar, writer, artist, Houston, USA/ Karachi, Pakistan
Sehar Zaman, housewife, Dubai, UAE
Sehar Sarah, Graduate student, New York University, USA
M. Shafiul Huq, Chartered Accountant/ Business, Karachi, Pakistan
Shafqat Mahmood, writer, The News, Jang, and former Senator, Lahore, Pakistan
Shahvaar Ali Khan, writer, songwriter-singer, ad man, Lahore, Pakistan
Shahid H. Batalvi, VP – Technology Strategy, Nexius Solutions Inc., Reston, VA, USA
Shahid Saeed, Student, Champaign, USA
Shahla Haeri, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Boston University, MA, USA
Shamsi Qurashi, educator, Manila, Philippines
Shamsul Alam, Lecturer, London, U.K.
Shandana Mohmand, Student, U.K.
Shaukat Ali, Self-employed, freelance writer, Karachi, Pakistan
Shayan Afzal Khan, social entrepreneur, Islamabad, Pakistan
Shazia Saqib Habib, Home maker/educator, Singapore
Shazre Quamber, Associate in Assurance, London, UK /Islamabad, Pakistan
Sheen Farrukh, Journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Sheheryar Channah, IT Consultant, Brussels, Belgium
Shehrbano Taseer, journalist, Lahore Pakistan
Shifa S Khan, VP Projects – Thali, Islamabad, Pakistan
Simon Samson Sharaf, Brig (rtd), political analyst & writer, Islamabad, Pakistan
Shriprakash, Film activist, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Shivam Vij, journalist, New Delhi, India
Shoaib Mir, communication consultant and creative writer, Lahore
Shoukat Shah, Muscat, Oman
Sheema Kermani, Theatre Practitioner, Karachi, Pakistan
Sheema Khawar, student, Karachi, Pakistan
Shumaila Hussain Shahani, 18 year old female student from a Sindh Tribal family (whose life was changed by education), Pakistan
Siraj Khan, world citizen. Non-profit management, Boston, USA
Sofia Hamdani Checa, Graduate Student, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
Sohail Ansari, President, The World Sindhi Institute, Sindh International Network for Democracy and Human Rights (SINDH-Rights), USA
Sohail Osman Ali, Chartered Accountant, Retired, Karachi, Pakistan
Sophia Ali, Founder/CEO, International Children’s Television, New York, NY, USA
Sophia M. Malik, Freelance Consultant, Bedford, U.K.
Soulat Pasha, private service, Karachi, Pakistan
Stuart Schaar, Professor Emeritus, Brooklyn College CUNY, NY, USA
Suhayl Saadi, Writer, Glasgow, Scotland
Suraiya Kasim, lawyer, Copenhagen Denmark
Syed Afzal Ahmed, Poet, Karachi, Pakistan
Syed Asim Bokhari, Student. Lahore, Pakistan
Syed Junaid, Musician/Photographer, Lahore
Syed Nadir El-Edroos, Teacher, London, UK
Syed Yasir Husain, Media Theorist & Artist, Karachi, Pakistan
Syeda Quratulain Masood, Concerned Citizen, Karachi, Pakistan
T. J. Alvie, Concerned Overseas Pakistani, Sharjah, U.A.E.
T. S. Bokhari, retired, Islamabad, Pakistan
Talib Baweja, Student, Toronto, Canada
Talib QizilbashWriter and Online Editor,
Newsline,
Karachi, Pakistan, Writer and Online Editor, Newsline, Karachi, Pakistan
Tahir Sheikh, businessman, Lahore, Pakistan / Northampton, MA, USA
Tahira Abdullah, women & human rights activist, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tahira Mussarat Hussain, activist, humanrights lawyer, Washington DC, USA
Tahira Noor, Manager, Media/Communication/Advocacy, National Commission on the Status of Women, Government of Pakistan
Dr. Tanveer Anjum, Professor, Iqra University, Karachi, Pakistan
Tanveer M. Imam, M.D., Gastroenterologist, Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Tanveer Jahan, human rights activist, Lahore, Pakistan.
Tanya Daud, Freelance Journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Thangam Ravindranathan, Assistant Professor, Department of French Studies, Brown, University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Dr. Taimur Rahman, Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Pakistan
Tauheed Ahmed, Systems Analyst, Washington DC, USA
Dr Toqeer Gilani, Secretary information Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF)
Tracey Wagner-Rizvi, Student, Waterloo, Canada and Islamabad, Pakistan
Umair Arif, Commissary Incharge, Karachi, Pakistan
Umar Sayeed, fashion designer, Karachi, Pakistan
Umber Khairi, journalist, London, U.K.
Urooj Zia, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Usman Qazi, Visiting Professor, Dept. of Biology, School of Science & Engineering, LUMS, Lahore, Pakistan
Uzma Noorani, Member Working Committee, Womens’ Action Forum, Karachi
Valerie Hopkins, International Organization, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Varda Nisar, Student, Karachi
Vazira Fazila-Yacoobali Zamindar, Associate Professor, Dept. of History, Brown University, USA
Wasim Wagha, Insani Haqooq Itehad (IHI), Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Waqar Saleem, Post-doc researcher, Jena, Germany
Waqas Ali, Indo-Pak Peace Media, Lahore, Pakistan
Waqas Khwaja, Professor of English, Agnes Scott College, Atlanta, GA, USA
Yaser Ahmed, Project and Operations Lead, Irvine, USA
Yasser Brohi, Consultant, Washington D.C, USA
Yasir Latif, Researcher, Zaragoza, Spain
Yasser Latif Hamdani, Lawyer, Lahore, Pakistan
Yasser Kureshi, Student, Boston, USA
Yoginder Sikand, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, India
Younas Chowdhry, Director, Laal theatre, Pakistan
Yousaf Benjamin, Coordinator, NCJP, National office, Lahore, Pakistan
zaheer abbas, student, Lahore, Pakistan
Zaheer A. Kidvai, educationist, Karachi, Pakistan
Zahid Makhdoom, Justice, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Zahra Malkani, Artist, Karachi, Pakistan
Zar Ali Khan Afridi, ChairmanTribal NGOs Consortium, Peshawar, Pakistan
Zafar Ahmed, Reston Virginia, USA
Zain Hasan, Student of International Relations, Karachi, Pakistan
Zainab Abbas, student, Karachi, Pakistan
Prof. Zakia Sarwar, educator and teacher trainer, Karachi, Pakistan
Zarminae Ansari, Architect/ writer. Islamabad, Pakistan
Zebunnisa Burki, Editor, New York, USA
Zheela Vokes, Advisor, Human Rights and Race Relations, New Zealand Human Rights Commission
Zohair Ali Nanjiani, Neurologist, Karachi, Pakistan
Zoya Rehman, Assistant Project Manager, advertising, Lahore, Pakistan
Zubaida Noor, Chair Board of Trustees, Noor Education Trust, Peshawar, Pakistan
Zulfiqar Shah, Movement for Peace and Tolerance, Hyderabad, Pakistan
Organisational endorsements from CFD supporting organisations include:
Professional Organisations Mazdoor Federations & Hari Joint Committee – POJAC, an umbrella organisation including: 1. Sindh High Court Bar Association; 2. Pakistan Medical Association (PMA); 3. All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation (APNEC); 4. Mutahida Labour Federation; 5. Karachi Union of Journalists; 6. Pakistan Workers Federation; 7. All Pakistan Trade Union Federation (APTUF); 8. All Pakistan Clerk Association; 9. Democratic Labour Union State Bank of Pakistan; 10. UBL Workmen Union (CBA); 11. National Bank Trade Union Federation; 12. Karachi Bar Association; 13. Pakistan Nursing Federation; 14. National Trade Union Federation; 15. Sindh Hari Committee; 16. Govt. Sec. Teachers Association; 17. Pakistan Hotel And Restaurant Workers Federation; 18. Mehran Mazdoor Federation; 19. All Sindh Primary Teachers Association; 20. Sindh Professor Lecturer Association; 21. Malir Bar Association, Karachi; 22. Pakistan Trade Union Federation (PTUF); 23. Railway Workers Union Open Line (cba) Workshop; 24. Mehran Railway Employees Welfare Association; 25. All Pakistan Trade Unions Organisations; CFD members and those endorsing the above statement also include: 26. Awami Party; 27. Labour Party Pakistan (LPP); 28. Progressive Youth Front (PYF); 29. Communist Party Pakistan (CPP); 30. Peace and Solidarity Council; 31. Pakistan Institute of Labour, Education & Research (Piler); 32. Action Committee for Human Rights; 33. Dalit Front; 34. National NCommission for Justice and Peace (CJP); 35. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP); 36. Caritas; 37. Aurat Foundation; 38. Women’s Action Forum (WAF); 39. People’s Resistance; 40. Sindh Awami Sangat; 41. National Organisation of Working Committees; 42. Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF); 43. Child and Labour Rights Welfare Organisation; 44. Progressive Writers Association (PWA); 45. Port Workers Federation; 46. Shirkat Gah; 47. Pakistan Peace Coalition (PPC); 48. Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA); 49. Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust (SNPET); 50. Pakistan Dalit Solidarity Network (PDSN); 51. Sindh Democratic Forum (SDF); 52. SAP-Pakistan; 53. AwazCDS-Pakistan; 54. GCAP-Pakistan; 55. Home Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF); 56. Labour Education Foundation (LEF); 57. Progressive Youth Forum; 58. National Students’ Federation (NSF); 59. The Researchers; 60. Tehrik-e-Niswan; 61. Democratic Commission for Human Development (DCHD); 62. Crises Support Group of Residents for Defence and Clifton, Karachi; 63. Baaghi: A blog for secular Pakistan; 64. Communist Mazdoor Kissan Party (CMKP); 65. Ansar Burney Trust International; 66. Viewpoint International; 67. Pakistan Youth Alliance; 68. Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI); 69. Youth Together for Human Rights Education (YTHRE); 70. The Institute for Social Movements (ISM); 71 South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-Pk); 72. Institute for Development Initiatives; 73. Shehri-CBE; 74. Institute for Peace and Secular studies; 75. Youth Parliament of Pakistan; 76. Pattan; 77. Awami Jamhoori Forum; 78. Community Development Initiative (CDI), 79. South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy (SANSAD); 80. Resettling the Indus (architects); 81. Asia Center for the Progress of Peoples (ACPP; 82. Laal; 83. SPACE: Sufism for Peace And Co-Existence, Lahore, Pakistan and London, U.K.; 84. Khudi, Lahore & Islamabad; 85. Intermedia Pakistan; 86. Insani Haqooq Itehad (IHI); 87. Irtiqa Institute of Social Sciences; 88. National Council of Academics; 89. PeaceNiche, Karachi; 90. National Commission for Justice and Peace, Pakistan; 91. Institute of Social Policy (ISP), Islamabad
Trackbacks
- Open letter to The President, Prime Minister, Interior Ministry, Chief Justice, Chief Ministers, and heads of all political parties, Pakistan | Alternative
- Open letter to The President, Prime Minister, Interior Ministry, Chief Justice, Chief Ministers, and heads of all political parties, Pakistan » The Pakistan Forum
- Daily Readings – 10.03.2011 | Abdullah Syed
- Your silence can mean more murders « Naveen Naqvi
- Open letter to The President, Prime Minister, Interior Minister, Chief Justice, and heads of all political parties, Pakistan « Area 14/8
- Endorse This Letter: Murder of Shahbaz Bhatti Shaheed « Uddari Weblog
- Protest: Shahbaz Bhatti murder, vigilante action, incitements to violence « Journeys to democracy
citizensfordemocracy 
Plz add us;
Azad Qalamdar
CEO, Global Desi Foundation
Karachi, Pakistan
92300-2235062
azad@hamariboli.com
http://www.HamariBoli.com
i strongly endorse this.
It was heinous crime against innocent people of Pakistan. It should be stopped at all cost.
I endorse this…
Austin, TX USA
Sad state of affairs in Pakistan. Worst point in our history.
Rawalpindi. Pakistan
I fully endorsed it.
Naeem Haroon
Project Coordinator
Centre for Human Rights Education
Endorsed!
Endorsed
Hate philosophy is a tool of Satan in which ever religion it may be present.
Oosman Sadiq, Faculty Member ICMAP, Karachi, Pakistan
I fully endorse this letter.
I am Deputy Director Minhaj Productions (One of the Directorates of Minhaj-ul-Quran International)
I strongly demand of repeal of blasphemy laws that are killing innocent people of Pakistan. These laws are also a great wall against right of opinion.
Zafar Iqbal
AWAM-Pakistan.
The assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti is an act which has been condemned, with full force, by all segments of thePakistani society – moderates, liberals, seculars, extremists, Dahrias, fundamentalists, democrats and non-democrats- in unison. However, to put the blame of his assassination EXCLUSIVELY on the “extremists and fundamentalists” is something which is at variance with the ground as well as underground realities.
Reports have already surfaced in the Pakistani press to the effect that details of the phone calls made by a “white man” [ a Security Contractor ] who is linked to an NGO based in Sector G-Eleven, Islamabad are in the process of being examined, as there are indications that this “Security Contractor” – a White Man – has also played a role in the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti. Other reports also speak of his dispute regarding a plot of land in Lahore and another large plot of land in Shahzad Colony, Islamabad. Besides, there is also a mention in the Press of his association since 1995 with a girl, whom he had promised to marry but did not and that this girl was present in his mother’s home in Islamabad when the assassination took place.
While the effort of the “citizens for democracy” in this regard is commendable, a similar effort [if considered applicable by those who are operating this website] also needs to be initiated about the killing of 45 innocent people (if considered Pakistanis) who were mercilessly massacred by US drones, using Pakistan’s air space, by “Hell Fire” missiles on 17 March, 2011.
Hope the management of “citizens for democracy” will be able to publish my point of view as well.
@Saifullah Jan
What is your motive Saify Mian behind your cock and bull story? Do you mean that SB’s murder was due to some white’s conspiracy or petty personal enmity and not due to the lofty ideals he stood for publicly? For your information it may be stated that the I.G., Islamabad, had been harping on such a possibility much earlier, but no headway seems to have been made in their investigation in any direction.
In any case, the purpose of CFD’s movement is not to raise the level of ‘Aanjehaani’s’ murder to ‘Shahaadat’, but simply to check murders and lawlessness in the name of blasphemy as has evidently been done in this case with such impunity.
Please include my endorsement
Nahyan Mirza
Communications Consultant
Islamabad, Pakistan
Endorsed. Although the majority of people who this is addressed to and who are expected to enforce this are hopeless.
Yaser Ahmed
Project and Operations Lead
Irvine, USA
Maheen Saeed, Program Assistant, Lahore
Endorsed.
Natalia Tariq
Development Worker
Lahore
Please add my name to the petition. I cannot imagine why people would not sign this petition
Abdul Rehman
Madison, Wisconsin (USA)
I strongly endorse this campaign, because I believe that peaceful, harmonious and prosperous future of Pakistan is only possible, when blasphemy laws are repealed and strong action against militants/extremists is initiated.
Suneel Malik
Faisalabad, Pakistan
Wish I could do more than just signing a petition. Have spread the message amongst my friends in Pakistan. We need to keep working on such demos that show we are ‘alive’ and can make a difference by shedding off the vastly complacent attitude. Thank you for organising this. I will be there with you in spirit.
endorsed!
Hardly any sane person can disagree with the contents of your OL. However, I see little point in addressing it to: The President, Prime Minister, Interior Ministry, Chief Justice, Chief Ministers, and heads of all political parties, Pakistan, most of whom (with “honourable exceptions”) are to some degree complicit in Mr. Bhatti’s cold-blooded murder, along with the perpetration of other social crimes of omission and commission on the people of Pakistan. We need to articulate our protest more vociferously and systematically against the latter and not merely give vent to our feelings of anger and disgust on individual outrages, condemnable as these indeed are.
I don’t need to reiterate that I am wholeheartedly with you in spirit, though not entirely in letter.
Dear Sir/ Madam
Please endores this letter.
Samson Salamat
Director
Centre for Human Rights Education
It is about time that the minoririties in Pakistan should be respected and heard. I have always been respected and heard as a Canadian citizen at a minority status and felt ashamed of being a Pakistani citizen at times when Pakistanis can’t respect a minute no. of population.
I strongly feel that that the ” law of blasmeshpy” is Brirish law. We no longer require it. As Muslims we should be kind to people. Our prophet Mohjammad (PBUH) stayed calm at times when people disrespected Him . He would always pray for their betterment. We as his true fiollowers use violence. Who gave us this right to shed blood?
Freedom of expression is an individual right. Pakistankis should speak up against violence.
Sadia Nayyar Student Karachi- Canada
I would like to add my endorsement. My name is Ghazanfar Khan; I’m an overseas Pakistani living in Houston, Tx. I am a software engineer.
Aamar Hassan
Human Resource Professional
Karachi
Kindly include my name:
Sahar Ahmed, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
I fully endorse this letter, it has been silence for far too long.
The so called democracy is changing to demon-cracy which is harmful for the citizens of Pakistan and the Pakistan itself.
If for once the parties in power think about the country and not themselves this can cure Pakistan from all terrors and embark on a journey towards growth and peace.
Pakistan needs empowerment and it is US the people that can bring about change.
Ahmad Ali Latif,
C.A
Islamabad
Student – London
This needs to be promoted more so that the common can easily sign it too
Gul Bukhari, Journalist, Lahore. Please include my name.
I support and thereby want to endorse this letter
FAriz Merchant
Student
Szabist
Karachi
PAKISTAN
i want to endorse this letter and show utter disgust at the idea which this letter also pointed out. Nothing that violates any sort of human rights like sexuality, beliefs, security etc shall be tolerated!
Noreen Mumtaz Gulwani
Social Scienes student at Szabist.
Please include my name in the list of signatories.May better sense prevail upon us and may Islam be protected from the wave of extremism.Amen
I fully endrose this letter.
Fizza Shahid
undergrad student at SZABIST
Karachi
I agree. Please add my name:
Aruna Hussain
Consultant
Sydney, Australia
Thanks.
Thanks for taking the action on behalf of millions of people. And thanks for giving us this opportunity to raise our voices publicly. I condemn all terrorist activities in the name of Islam including the murdr of Salman Taseer and Shabaz Bhatti. There is nothin Islamic in all that is being done in the name of Islam is today’s world.
Faria Syed, journalist, Karachi
Again I endorse this.
Anthony,
Educator and media figure,
Karachi, Pakistan
Say No to extremist, no bribery, no to corruption, no to break all sorts of law ( rape or any sexual harrasments, child abuse, break street laws) begging, no to litter and ruining historical sites landmarks, building etc and say yes to cleaning up our country. Say yes to respecting every religion equally.
Please add my name! Thanks so much for your initiative.
Nosheen Ali, University of California, Berkeley.
I endorse this letter.
Firuza Pastakia
Karachi, Pakistan
Here in Canada, we welcome into each community, small or large, persons of all faiths. Tolerance is inclusion, fraternity, and everyday democratic actions that build a stronger society. We sincerely hope that Pakistan can somehow find its way to a more just and peaceful future, rather than descending into civil chaos.
Please add names of my husband and me.
Syed Shabbir Siraj – Filmmaker, Karachi, Pakistan.
Syeda Umme Salma Hamdani – Photographer, Karachi, Pakistan.
Signed: Boston, MA, USA
Please add my name: Nicole Wolf, Lecturer, London
Endorsed and hoping
We condemn all killings done in the name of Islam and all those people who venerate the murderers. We demand death penalty for these murderers.
Photographer, Karachi
Endorsed.
Burhan Uddin Abro
Student, Karachi, Pakistan.
Endorsed
Wish I was in town!
I support.
Safwan R. Sabqi – Sales Executive – Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Hope to be at the rally.
I fully endorse this. I would like my name to be added to the signatures, please.
Endorsed.
Amber Paracha
Banker
Karachi, Pakistan
This rigidity and intolerance must stop. The use of religion to persecute people goes against the moral order.
Marianne Saulwick
University lecturer
Dubai
I endorse this letter.
Imrana Khwaja
lawyer/journalist
UK
Endorsed
Endorsed.
Sitwat Rizvi,
Karachi, Pakistan
Religious bigotry and hate mongering MUST be stopped!
Take immediate action against all political parties/madrassahs/mosques that support such violence and are silent in the wake of these horrible acts in the name of religion.
Ali Alam
Architect
Karachi
Endorsed.
Yasser Brohi
Consultant
Washington D.C
I fully endorse this letter.
Rabayl Manzoor Memon
Economist, Columnist, Teacher.
Karachi, Pakistan
Please add my name. Quratulain Ali khan. Journalist, New York, U.S.A.
Endorsed.
Asif Saad
Executive, Karachi
I endorse this letter.
Farah Jafri
Teacher
Chicago, IL
USA
I endorse this letter!
Kalsoom Lakhani Director, Social Vision ML Resources, Washington, D.C.
Endorsed
Advisor, Human Rights and Race Relations, New Zealand Human Rights Commission
Endorsed.
Asma Shabab, Masters Candidate at Annenberg, USC, Los Angeles, CA
Endorsed.
Mimi Khan. Homemaker. London, UK.
Plz include my name too.
zaheer abbas,
student,
from Lahore
Endorsed.
Shoukat Shah
Muscat, Oman
Strongly support this letter and the movement.
Ali
Economist, Former Rhodes Scholar from Pakistan,
Resident in Bethesda, MD, USA
I endorse your efforts fully. May every citizen of our country have the right to follow their own set of beliefs, passions and dreams.
please include me, Suraiya Kasim lawyer, Copenhagen Denmark
I endorse this letter with so much hope .
i endorse this letter.
M Junaid Arshad
Banker
Lahore
I truly appreciate the courageous efforts of all comrades in fighting the odds to repeal the blasphemy law.
Tanveer M. Imam, M.D.
Gastroenterologist
Allentown, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
Support.
Endorsed.
Misbah Naqvi, New York
I strongly endorse the letter. The failure of the government to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime is appalling. It raises eyebrows on the capability and intentions of the administration. We, the Pakistanis, as a nation and people should show our outrage and displeasure. I stand in solidarity with the peace loving people of Pakistan.
‘There is no Dignity without Freedom’ – St Columbus
It is not just matter of minorities, it is a national issue. If our leaders are not secure, then what about us? We are afraid – not for our life but for the life of our country – a country for which our forefathers gave up so much. When Pakistan was made, the minorities remained in this land while many migrated from India to Pakistan only because they shared one brotherhood with the majorities. Now, sad events such as this — its making us think!!!
PEACE!
MARIAN SHARAF – JOURNALIST/PEACE ACTIVIST
PAKISTAN
I endorse this letter.
PLease include my name:
Meryem Malik,
M.D.,
U.S.A.
Please add my name to list
i would like to support this
Murder of Shahbaz Bhatti is a very sad incident. I don’t have words to express myself. I condemn this incident and edorse this letter.
I am right there
I endorse this letter.
Regards,
Adil Ansari
Sales & Marketing Professional & Certified Trainer.
Pakistan.
Please include my name.
I endorse this letter.
Najam
Electrical Engineer
Lahore.
I fully endorse the contents of the Open Letter and the spirit behind it. The state of Pakistan must support, endorse and ensure/implement all rights for all citizens. There should be no minority of any kind for the state on the basis of faith, origin and/or gender.
Adnan Rehmat, Media Development Specialist and Writer, Islamabad
My organization, Intermedia Pakistan, also fully supports this.
canada country
profession student of finance and business administration
please add my name
I fully endorse this letter and demand culprits must be punished.
Mir Zulfiqar Ali
Director Programmes
National Organisation for Working Communities
I fully endorse this letter. This madness has got to stop along with a quiet acceptance of it as we deem it a “sad reality”
I endorse.
Hamza Qaiser
Associate Producer
Aaj News
Islamabad
I endorse this. Media and Social Change Agent, Karachi
I fully endorse this letter.
Rabayl Manzoor Memon.
Economist, Columnist, Teacher.
Educator, Lahore/Abu Dhabi
Baber Ghayoor Siddiqi
Mexico
Artist
Please add my name to the list of endorsements to this letter. You can identify me as a social science researcher, Karachi.
Please include my name:
Name: Sohail Osman Ali
Qualification: Chartered Accountant
Work: Retired
City: Karachi
@Iram Shehzad
“There is no place for Blasphemy laws in a Democratic society. All citizens should have equal protection and rights under the constitution.”
A very good point indeed. Is it not absurd and insulting to the citizens of Pakistan that they may be liable to be hanged or lynched for mere accusation of defamation of somebody whom they do not even know personally?
There is no place for Blasphemy laws in a Democratic society. All citizens should have equal protection and rights under the constitution.
Iram Shahzad, Human Resources Specialist, Washington DC
For the better days ahead & the urgency of the matter I endorse this letter.
Research Fellow, USA.
Please include my name on the list of signers of this important, urgently needed letter. Thank you, Ethan Casey, writer, Seattle, USA (www.ethancasey.com)
concerned about my fellow citizens and for the future of civility.
please show some respect!
Bhatti’s assassination is an assassination of the nation!
I fully endorse letter,
Sana Saleem
Gawaahi.com
I fully endorse this letter.
Writer and Online Editor,
Newsline,
Karachi, Pakistan
Please add my name
Content of the petition endorsed.
Samia Haque
Professional
Islamabad
member of british counsil
Peace
I endorse this letter.
Muhammad Sultan
Researcher
London
I’m in,
Waqas Ali
Indo-Pak Peace Media
Lahore, Pakistan
I endorse this letter.
Talib Baweja
Student
Toronto, Canada
Plz include my name in this list. I endorse the message
I sign/endorse this petition.
I endorse this letter.
kindly include my name in the endorsement and this letter.I agree with the contents of this letter, fully and whole heartedly.
DR. ILMANA FASIH
Gynecologist and Health Activist
Organisation: TABEER–EmpowerSHE .
Based in Mississauga cANADA.
PLEASE ADD MY NAME
I agree it is time to turn away from radical and intolerant policies that have been formulated in the name of Islam. Minorities are an integral part of our society, more secular approach is required to bring us together and evolve as a nation.
I agree with the contents of the letter. Pakistan needs to protect its minorities and have secular laws. There is no place for Blasphemy laws in a modern democratic society.
Please include my name in this petition. Thank you.
Waqas Hussain; Student; Freiburg, Germany
Mahnaz Nadeem
Lawyer
London, UK
I absolutely endorse content of the letter and demand the culprits must be behind the bar and get rid of such religious extremism from Pakistan and follow the constitution of Pakistan in letter and spirit.
Kindly include my name in the petition as well.
Saleha Haque, Researcher, Islamabad.
I endorse this letter.Pakistani american, born and grew up in Lahore Pakistan.Now, living in Northampton, Massachusettes u.s.a.
Business man & helping Pakistan with foreign exchange, by buying hand knotted rug from my mother country.
Please add my name as well. I’m a factory worker in Moss, Norway / Jhelum, Pakistan
Please include my name. Saif Karamali, Karachi.
All of the above remarks and comments tell a story – the moral of this story is radical change in Pakistan and we need this to happen now. The people must act – it is not in the interests of governments and their lackeys to rock the boat; any change for good would impact on the means to acquire their ill gotten millions. A country where the water authorities sell water to Tanker Thugs and cut off the water supply for good honest people struggling to make ends meet, needs no less than a revolution and people revolt when they have nothing to lose and we are very close to that. Shame on all our politicians for driving their countrymen and women to despair – they deserve to be driven out of the country by these very people.
I endorse this letter. Prisca Benelli, Graduate student, Boston
Please add my name to the list. I strongly support this effort to shame the government into acting. Enough is enough!
We are living in a country where successive governments so called democratic governments are playing in hands of extremists, who are deep rooted in the Army, in bureaucracy and in our society. Though this element is always voted out but still its influence and effectiveness is increasing day by day. Now see the reaction of the parliament, no one dares to utter a word against them or in favour of those who have been killed by such elements are their puppets. What to talk about Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti, you can’t even think of mustering support for any victim of “Karo Kari” or the sort. This is unfortunate to see all but one thing is important. We have to prove that these elements can’t silence the voice of our conscience and we will keep on raising this issue and keep of laying our lives for a just, fair and true representative of people Pakistan.
Endorsed.
Farieha Aziz, Assistant Editor, Newsline. Karachi.
Please include my name
Rachel Smith, Graduate Student, Boston
… a country that has lost faith but retained religion…
I endorse this letter.
Basharat Saeed
Research Supervisor – International Growth Centre
Lahore,
Pakistan
Endorsing this letter-educator,based in Manila,Philippines
I endorse this petition
Rehan Hussain
Student
Cambridge, UK
COUNT ME IN.
I support this. Valerie Hopkins, International Organization, Bosnia and Herzegovina
please add my endorsement:
Farhad Mirza
Literature and Creative Writing Student
London, The U.K.
I strongly condemn dastardly attack and killing of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti. It has added a new tragic dimension to the already frightening state of affairs in our country. We must exert and make our voice heard if we wish to fight for survival of Pakistan.
Please add my name and I will circulate details of your campaign: Gill Price, Programme Management Consultant, Denmark
Pls add my name:
Hassan Ijaz Khan, Manager, Barclays Bank PLC
i would definitely support this letter and is very much needed,though No body will pay attention to this wonderful letter,since the all addressed in the letters are the same people!
regards
Endorsed!
I endorse this letter.
Op ed writer & investor, Boston, USA.
Please add my name to the list. I am based in Islamabad and working for a civil society organisation.
It is appalling to see that Pakistan is going back to the times of “Might is Right”. No freedom of speech, no freedom of action. One can not even raise one’s voice to demand his own rights any more.
Fouzia Ishaque, student, Karachi
Endorsed.
Mifrah Haq, student, Boston, USA.
Endorsed
I absolutely endorse this!
Sana Rais, Peace Studies Grad
Endorsed. Ahsan Siddiqui. Consultant, Toronto, Canada
Saima Deen, Nieman Affiliate, Cambridge MA, USA: Kindly please add my name to endorse this! It is horrifying to see that, the so called leaders, heads of states & officials who are there for the protection of ALL individuals are not bothered to stop all the atrocities taking place in the nation!
Huma Rife, Homemaker, USA: Please add my name to the list of supporters. I am a Pakistani by birth, but have not lived in Pakistan for over 30 years. I find it appalling how little progress the country has made during this time towards real democracy, basic human rights, and quality of life for its citizens.
Student, Boston, USA.
I strongly endorse!
Totally agree with the contents…..please do include my name.
T. J. Alvie
Concerned Overseas Pakistani
Sharjah, U.A.E.
pls add:
Sheheryar Channah, IT Consultant, Brussels, Belgium
Please add my endorsement:
Shahid H. Batalvi
VP – Technology Strategy, Nexius Solutions Inc.
Reston, VA, USA
I endorse this letter.
Dania Khan , Graduate Student, Boston
I totally endorse this letter.
Suhayl Saadi
Writer
Glasgow
Scotland
Please add my endorsement to the letter protesting Shahbaz Bhatti’s gruesome murder. Blasphemy Law is a shameful law, though I have a secular outlook to be fair to the Islamic tradition i want to point out (for the information of all those rallying and ganging up to defend it) that it has no roots in the Islamic tradition. Blasphemy law was started in the sub-continent by the British and had milder punishments such as fine and jail term (and was applicable to insult of any faith). Zia ul Haq (the great Islamic fraudster) introduced section 295 C in it that gives death penalty for insulting the Prophet (PBUH) of Islam. Even if a lay person looks at the statement of the law one can see that it is a very BAD law as it is vague and ill-defined, and it is not clear for exactly what act death penalty is given. Its quite obvious that the purpose of the law was to CONTROL POLITICAL DISSIDENTS, anybody says something you do not like or want to settle personal scores just pull out the “blasphemy law” out of the revenge box.
The fanatics can kill as many as they want but the fact will remain the same.
“What a blessing it is for the leaders that people do not think” Adolf Hitler
Please add my endorsement of this open letter
Dr. Naila Baig-Ansari
Consultant Epidemiologist,
Karachi
Can you please add my name? I am a student at Oxford, in the UK.
I fully endorse the contents of this letter.
Junaid Zuberi
Karachi, Pakistan
Please add my name to the list : Sehar Sarah, Graduate student, New York University, USA
i endorsed open letter
pakistan study centre,karachi uni
add my name
saima hayat
karachi uni
Graduate student, Washington, DC
I fully endorse.
Fauzia Tariq
Public Health professional
Washington, DC
Please include my name for endorsement. Karachi, Pakistan
STUDENT
i endorsed open letter
Student, Thinker, Activist
Carrollton, Texas, USA
please include my name.
sameen khan, research analyst
washington, dc
I endorse.
Adnan Malik.
Media/Filmmaker
Karachi Pakistan
endorsed. President, Zimmedar Shehri and a medical doctor. Lahore.
Karachi, Pakistan
It is time for followers of the Holy Prophet to protect his honor by doing what he did throughout his life … protecting women, children, minorities, … even animals.
Anyone who thinks Allah needs their help (to kill others) does not know the meaning of Inna lillahe wa inna ilehay rajioon.
Peace!
Please include my name for endorsement. Karachi, Pakistan
add me too
I agree with the contents and fully endorse the demands
Please include my name. Jennifer Bennett, Development Consultant, Islamabad
Totally support this.
Tariq Mufti
Project Consultant & Business Analyst
Karachi, Pakistan
Please include my name as filmmaker and peace activist with Friends of South Asia
Please add me too. It is time to turn away from radical and intolerant policies that have been formulated in the name of Islam. These policies have only been used for suppression and oppression and for endorsing crimes like murder and bigotry. We need peace, we need tolerance we need to be humanized again.
Please include my name as an activist/humanrights lawyer based in washington dc, Thanks
I endorse this letter
Pls. add my name to this letter
Huma Rife
Homemaker
Indiana, U.S.
I condemn these killings in the name of Islam and I fully endorse this petition/letter
pls include my name. I fully endorse this
I completely endorse the demands and condemn the brutal killing of Mr. Bhatti.
Rida Tahir, content writer, Karachi.
please include my name too.
I urge government to assume an action against the absconders,please not only is it to be urged for the murder of Shabaz Bhatti,but also is it for the entire Pakistan,so i urge government to persistently assume an action to abolish the extremism across the country.And to ensure the preventive measures or preventive methods to get out of these heinous acts,and get the revival of peace,stability,harmony,reconciliation,and we are cognizant of the concurrent circumstances, leading to the disaster of Pakistan.Convict the absconders.
I URGE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE INSTANT ACTION
endorsed,
Nayab Shah, Student, Lahore
Aisha Gazdar, filmmaker, karachi
I endorse this.
Research Analyst,
Lahore, Pakistan
Endorsed.
Safina Javed
Human Right Activest
I fully endorse this open letter and demand the stern action against terrorists
Mehwash S. Ansari,
Publishing,
Karachi.
No one has a right to take anybody’s life ……….. We even try to save pets on the road while driving.This kind of actions is not only against the spirit of Islam and practices of our Prophet PBUH but also a hideous crime against humanity.
Endorsed. Shandana Mohmand, Student, UK.
Endorsed.
Amna Khalique
Features Editor/ Dawn.com
I endorse this.
Faiza Karamali
Teacher
Karachi
Saroop Ijaz
Lawyer
Lahore,Pakistan
Please add my name as a 18 year old female student who belongs to a Sindh Tribal family. One whose life could not be changed if she was not sent to school. I demand JUSTICE, PEACE and END OF VIGILANTE ACTION. In-short I demand ‘EDUCATION’ and ‘PROSPERITY’.
Please include my name.
Burhan Ahmad,
Business Consultant, Karachi.
Endorsed.
Chris Cork
Editorial consultant
‘The News’
Karachi
(Resident in Bahawalpur)
despicable.
State legitimacy is at stake. Murder of any kind should not be tolerated and hate crimes should not be tolerated. The blasphemy law is a civic issue and no one should be allowed to take law in own hands. There should be public awareness campaign regarding the law itself and its application thereof. Shahid Bhatti and Salman Taseer both wanted amendments in the law whereby it is more effective but yet murdered because of incitement of hate by myopic elements of religious right. Questioning a law is clearly not blasphemy but it is just a point of view. It is quite surprising how religious elements have equated it to blasphemy. Clearly, State has the responsibility to make Pakistan a progressive nation and thus do with it that such myopic point of views are curbed as suggested by the motion.
Thanks
Dawood Mamoon,
Director
Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development
Islamabad
Pakistan
I endorse this letter.
Shahid Saeed
Student
Champaign, USA
I fully endorse this letter .
Name: Jehan Ara
Profession: Entrepreneur, Technology Professional, Social Activist, Blogger,
Karachi – Pakistan
We all condumn the murder of our leader Shahbaz Bhatti
Endorsed. Mosharraf Zaidi, Columnist, Islamabad.
I endorse it fully. Please include my name in the actual letter being sent. Thanks!
Amima Sayeed
Educational Policy Researcher
Teachers’ Resource Centre
Please include my name on this petition.
Feroze Jamall
Country Head
Karachi-Pakistan
Strongly recommend
I concur with the contents of this letter and endorse it with the hope that wisdom will prevail. I have full confidence in the Pakistani leadership and know that they will not look the other way to such an atrocity being done on their face. The terrorists are basically trying to prove to the Government that they are now in the driving seat. The Government and the Army have to prove them wrong.
We cannot get Shahbaz Bhatti back but at least let his untimely death serve as a wake-up call. If the Government does not take the bull by the horns now, it will only get only wilder.
Urging the Government to turn the tide from the hopeless to the hopeful.
Siraj Khan
World citizen. Non-profit management.
Boston, USA
Banker, Karachi.
I endorse this letter and support the initiative.
I endorse this letter and support the initiative
Professor of English
Agnes Scott College
Atlanta, GA, USA
Sehba Sarwar, writer, artist
Houston, USA/ Karachi, Pakistan
hira azmat
student, lahore
The Government is tolerating the hate philosophy by being in two boats at the same time.
We need to have a “solid National policy” against religious extremism.
Signed
Varda Nisar, Student, Karachi
I endorse this letter.
Omer Tariq (Consultant, London)
please include my name…Soulat Pasha….private service….Karachi Pakistan
Plz put me down as a journalist based in Lahore Pakistan thnx
Please include – Shivam Vij, Delhi
I endorse this letter.
Moneir Aslam
Businessman
Islamabad.
Please add my name too. I am a grade 6 student at Khaldunia High School Islamabad. I will pass this link on to my class fellows as well.
Thank you !
Please include my name as independent columnist and rights activist based in Islamabad, Pakistan. Thanks.
Endorsed.
Aisha Gazdar, Filmmaker, Karachi,Pakistan
Also:
Syed Asim Bokhari
Student, Lahore
Please add the following names:
A. Zuberi, Healthcare Research, Washington, DC
Haider Imam, Brossard Quebec Canada
Saeed Ahmed Rid, PhD Student and researcher, Bradford, UK.
Fawzia Afzal-Khan
Endorsed here:
Thanks,
Fauzia
Plz include my name as well! I am a journalist and author and live in New York, USA
Arif Jamal
I endorse this letter. Ayesha Ijaz Khan (Lawyer/Columnist, London)
I want to endorse.
Syed Asim Bokhari. Student. Lahore.
Endorsed.
Ghazal Asif , Student, Karachi
Endorsed.
Ghazal Asif Farrukhi, Student, Karachi
I condemn the murder of Shahbaz Bhatti
Its time for Pakistan to regulate Islamic leadership (Muslim clergy) by establishing prescribed curriculum & certification prior to taking up positions for Imamat/Leadership.
They should be expected to impart Islamic education but not enabled to regulate the masses as they see fit since each individual is subject to accountability to the creator
Almighty Allah under Islamic guidelines and not subject to individual judgment by Molvi or Mullahs, the role of these Molvis/Mullahs should be limited to reminding of what is expected but not to prosecute, sentence or execute individuals they find in violation of any given rule.
Alike humans they are prone to prejudice, errors and mistakes in their judgment and this only incites violence which is not encouraged by Islam.
Further actions on any matter should be resolved without prejudice in consultation with Scholars of deen with higher level education of deen.
Until the authorities regulate proper education & certification of religious leadership we will continue to face encroachment of individual rights to practice as well as prejudiced conclusions.
I convey my deepest condolences on the two recent killings of innocent unarmed officials of the govt at the hands of rogue so-called defenders of dignity of our beloved Prophet PBUH in the name of Namoos-e-Risalat while we fail to follow his teachings for the most part.
A. Zuberi
Healthcare Research
Washington, DC
Agreed and signed. Good luck.
I fully support the petition and urge the authorites as well as the civic minded people in and outside Pakistan to do whatever they can for protecting its citizens irrespective of their creed or community besides strengthening the civil society that can gurantee against any kind of authoritarianism. I do urge all of us not to get carried away by emotional rhetoric and to help develop a greater respect for life, freedom of thought along with full support for pluarlism, unfettered democracy and equal citizenshhip.
I fully endorse this open letter and demand the stern action against terrorists
Bina Shah
Writer
Karachi, Pakistan
A state which allows murder is a disgrace and unless it stops it will descend into total chaos.
I fully endorse your petition.
I fully endorse the petition, but have some reservation about the inclusion of the Minister of Interior in the list of addressees. I would suggest replacing it with ‘Ministry of Interior’.
Thanks for your suggestion. That’s fair enough.
Enough !!!!
Please add my name to this petition.
Arnold Xavier
Student
Karacih,Pakistan
Banker, Karachi, Pakistan
shah bhatti s murder is condamable. murder of any body including non muslim is not acceptable at all.
I endorse your statement and and confirm that your struggle is teh struggle of all moderate sliving in Pakistan.
I completely support this petition. I think we also need mass protests all over Pakistan expressing solidarity with the family of Shahbaz Bhatti. Actually I feel this is where we the moderat…e citizens failed in case of the assassination of Salman Taseer. I think we the moderate Pakistanis and the PPP government and the party are more responsible for this murder because we could not react properly to the assassination of Shaheed Salman Taseer. If we still failed to raise above our petty differences I fear we will see more targeted killings of high profile moderate people in Pakistan.
I am a researcher and lecturer by profession. Currently doing PhD in Peace Studies at University of Bradford, UK.
Please include my name in the endorsement. Also, my organization endorses this.
Regards
Younas Chowdhry
Director, Laal theatre
Good citizenship 21st century style requires us to put away old-fashioned prejudices rooted in a world linked only by long and dangerous journeys by sailing ship or animals. Th electronic age has made people half way around the world as accessible as the family next door. Respect and civility must prevail.
Nancy Bohrer
Attorney
Chicago
I fully endorse the petition.
Hamza Javaid
Student
Karachi.
Please include my name on this petition and feel free to contact me if there is anything else I can do to help. I have also posted this Open Letter on our blog, The Pakistan Forum.
Thank you. Please do send your profession and city so we can included your endorsement.
In solidarity,
Team of
Centre for Youth Development & Activities – CYDA Pakistan
Sadikabad, PAKISTAN.
Gita Sahgal signing fo r Women Against Fundamentalism based in London, UK
We endorse your statement. Your struggle is our our strugle.
please include my name.
Include me as well,
Yasir Latif,
Researcher,
Zaragoza, Spain
Ismet Jawwad
Artist
Lahore, Pakistan
Mahvish Inayat
Student
London, UK
Huma Yusuf, journalist, Karachi, Pakistan
Please include me as well.
Sophia M. Malik
Freelance Consultant,
Bedford, UK.
I had a very simple addition to the above mentioned letter that our ruling class political, civil and military.
1. Do they ever think, this lawlessness, injustice and turmoil will lead a prosperous Pakistan for their coming generation?
2. Every time when they look at mirror, do they think for while as looking at their faces that aren’t they part of problem?
Pls include my name.
I strongly condemn this criminal act and demand that murderers must be brought to courts.
i also demand repeal of blasphemy Laws.
Dr Toqeer Gilani
Secretary information Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front(JKLF)
Rawalpindi
Yes Pakistan is going towards a path where it will end up. If Pakistani elites follow the address 0f Jinnah sab of Aug.11, 1947 then situations will get better otherwise mullah and so called holy warriors and blue eyed boys of establishment will take this country to the point of no return.
Zar Ali Khan
Please also include my name:
Britta Petersen
Country Director
Heinrich Boell Stiftung
Lahore
Completely agree.
I fully endorse this and demand that the government ammend the blasphemy law with a bill jointly named after Taseer and Bhatti.
On behalf of Shirkat Gah- Women’s Resource Centre, I endorse the letter and hope that the Government of Pakistan and our main political parties will not disregard this appeal for the sake of political expediency and personal gains.
Ali Zeeshan Ijaz
Researcher
Daejeon, South Korea
Nuzhat Aziz Ahmad
Physician
Philadelphia, USA
Karachi, Pakistan
Please include me as well.
Syed Nadir El-Edroos
Teacher,
London, UK.
I strongly protest against murder of Shahbaz Bhatti, my fellow Pakistani. It is a shame that murderers are roaming free in the streets and those who are speaking the truth are hiding (Sherri Rahman). I also protest against the current government who is not doing much to assure safety of its ministers.
Add me as a signatory with additional comments. Pakistan stands at cross roads. One leads to chaos and destruction. The other leads to be honest civilized, tolerant, true Pakistanis following the path led by the Quaid and peaceful citizens of a peaceful world. The current politicians and leaders of Pakistan will be answerable in this world and the hereafter if they made the wrong choice.
Signed: Sana Abid, Law student, East Lansing, MI
I agree
Manizhe Ali
Artist / Filmmaker
Karachi, Pakistan
I endorse this letter.
Fauzia Rafiq
Author
Vancouver BC
http://uddari.wordpress.com/
Ijaz Khan
Professor of International Relations
University of Peshawar
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
I urge the Government to take action or you would have abdicated your position to the terrorists. Do the Government, Judiciary, Parliamentarians and every individual of every political party not realize that letting these religious terrorists get away with murder will ultimately impact them? The axe will surely fall on all your heads. The Mullas are after the blood of PPP at the moment, but will soon decimate every one of you – be you a member of a political party, the judiciary or whosoever. First the Mullas applied pressure on the lower court judges to falsely convict & punish the innocent, they have moved up to the High Court, and will not spare the supreme court! The army and the ISI too will not be spared. Each group will be attacked based on who they feel needs to be killed first. This is a battle for absolute political power and total take-over of the country. The fight for retaining this badly made Zia law and not allowing for even procedural changes to allow justice to prevail has nothing to do with the love of the Prophet (PBUH) and everything to do with the Mullas greed for total power. This is their strategy to gain power after the Soofi Mohammad strategy failed because their greed showed up too early in the power game.
Ansar Burney slams govt’s failure to save life of Shahbaz Bhatti:
The United Nations Expert Advisor on Human Rights, Ansar Burney, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of former Federal Minister for Minorities by extremist elements and expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Shahbaz Bhatti and said that Bhatti did a lot for human rights and of the rights of minorities.
He said the loss is irreparable for the entire nation and urged upon the government to stop hypocrite and dirty politics and demanded to take stern action and adopt right approach to counter the extremist elements trying to play with the integrity, sovereignty and future of the country.
Ansar Burney blamed federal government for the murder of Shahbaz Bhatti and Governor Salman Taseer and said everybody in Pakistan and abroad were aware of the life threats to Bhatti and Taseer and on several occasions Shahbaz Bhatti and Salman Taseer informed the president, prime minister and interior minister about death threats to their life from extremist elements and demanded more security, but hypocrite government failed to do so and now trying to get political benefits on their dead bodies.
He asked with the president and prime minister to stop their hypocrite role any more and in the greater interest of human dignity, country and nation and take stern actions against the killers of humanity who are killing innocent in the name of Islam. He said that these terrorists in the name of Islam have been defaming Pakistan in global community.
http://old.thenews.com.pk/04-03-2011/ethenews/e-34304.htm
Imran Khan, Economist, Islamabad
pl. include my name:
Farid Alvie, media and marketing, sharjah, uae
Pls include my name!
Samar Farooqui
Housewife
Toronto, Canada
I am a concerned citizen and want a stop on such activities against law and order. why Government is insensitive. dont they see?
Considering it’s the army and its intelligence agencies that are primarily responsible for leading Pakistan down the road to ruin, this letter should be sent to the DG ISPR and DG ISI as well. Wholeheartedly endorsed. Naziha Syed Ali, journalist, Karachi.
I fully endorse this letter. But there many others like Asma Jehangir whose lives are also in danger and also needs protection. I feel ashamed that Shahbaz Bhatti was all alone when he wanted protection for himself. I dont know of any group that even mentioned Shahbaz Bhatti’s life being in danger.
Kindly Mark this Letter Primarily to ISI ans COAS.. as they are the creators of this extremism.. They used Islam for their own interest, which they claim as “National Interest “(hell with it) …
A business man…
A Pakistani !! from Karachi… striving for a living !!
please include me.
The Respected Prime Minister was on the Funeral,Let us Give him credit for that, Loyalty of a person as a human being is assessed by his DEEDS ,in this World to a state, in the next world to a religion, Good deeds Prevail all along the world,and no body can deny that, He was not a Millionaire who had A big entourage of Corrupt Land and Money Sharks,he was just a lone soldier, wanted to die like a martyr,so he could SHOW the world, LET US BRING A CHANGE,At least he tried,
Please include my name.
Pakistan is in at worst place in history. And because of Religious militancy country is going to disaster state. We liberal Pakistani’s have to come forward and raise our voices against these finatic religious peoples.
Thanks, but please organize the petition so that one sees a form asking for name, designation and location.
What is designation? Work address?
Sorry about that, we’re still learning. Designation/profession – something that indicates who you are. Thanks.
Usman Qazi, Visiting Professor, Dept. of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, LUMS, Lahore
Please include my name:
Prof. Anjali Monteiro, Academic and filmmaker, Mumbai, India
Signed: Omar Ali MD, Doctor, Wisconsin, USA
Thanks, pl also post to Asiapeace list
plz include my name, it is necessary now to act together.
waiting for call of strike
I am with you folks in every moment which would strengthen Pakistan! Kindly send this petition/letter to COAS and DG ISI as well. in my opinion if Military Establishment desire to eliminate these traitors 30 days would be more than enough! I strongly condemned Shahbaz Bhatti and Salaman Taseer’s cooled blooded murder in broad daylight! Say no to terrorism and spread words against religious fanatics groups/parties namely TTP/JeT/JD/JeM/JI/JUI-F and all other parties/groups/individuals who spread hatred in our society.
To have your name included, please also provide your designation/profession and where you live. Please share this widely. Thank you.
1st Point is enough.
Others point are diverting the real issue, will bring more problemS!
1. Have the Prime Minister come on national TV and explain why terrorism should be treated as an attack on Pakistan. Explain why crimes committed in the name of Islam are an affront to Islam.
2. Declare all ordinances issued by Zia null and void and an affront to Islam since these were issued to protect an illegal regime. This includes in particular the blasphemy law.
3. Add additional penalties for every crime committed in the name of religion, similar to the hate-crime legislation in the US. Thus, any murder in the name of religion would be automatically subject to the death penalty. Any incitement to violence during a religious sermon would result in lengthy prison sentence plus fine. Form a special hate-crimes police to ensure these laws are implemented in letter and spirit.
Thank you for your comments. If you wish to have your name included in the list of signatures, please email your NAME, PROFESSION and CITY to cfd.pak@gmail.com.
Pls include my name. The country is heading towards disaster unless the Civic Society comes out in large numbers and confront them. Neither the Govt. nor any political party is taking any position. A silent long march should be arranged to protest the killing.
Thanks. To have your name included, please also provide your designation/profession and where you live. Please share this widely. Thank you.
When will come true justice in pakistan for all citizens of pakistan, especially minorilties ? we hope for best justice of the God in future. GOD is GREAT. Amen in Jesus name.