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Global stereotyping of Islam must stop: Attiya

ISLAMABAD: Global stereotyping of Islam must stop, said Dr Attiya Inayatullah, Member of National Security Council, on Monday while talking to a US delegation.

The US delegation consisting of Robert Seiple, US Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, Steven Naplan, director for Multilateral and Humanitarian Affairs of the US National Security Council in the office, Ambassador William Milam and Jeff Hawkins, discussed with Dr Attiya Inayatullah about religious tolerance, rights of minorities, and status of women in Pakistan.

The NSC member said the Holy Quran is testimony to human dignity, honour, liberty and religious tolerance and "we are guided by it in our affairs". "Tolerance is high watermark of Quran". Pakistan wants to harmonise Islam with other religions of the world, she said.

The government and the constitution fully guarantee rights of women and minorities in the country. The Supreme Court has declared constitutional chapter on minorities as "Conscience of Constitution," she said.

The NSC member said blasphemy law is non-discriminatory. Out of 102 cases registered under this law during the last four years, 69 were registered by Muslims against Muslims and all the decisions of the lower courts were struck down by the superior courts.

She said Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf believes in actions and the government is taking administrative measures to ensure and protect rights of minorities and women in letter and spirit.

Dr Attiya said National Reconstruction Bureau is examining electoral procedures including separate electorate system for minority. All measures will be taken to ensure due rights of minorities, she added.

Establishment of Permanent Commission on Status of Women and separate jails for women are under active consideration of the government, she said.

Robert Seiple said the US will encourage all positive measures to be taken by the government and work with it for sustainable solutions to all problems. APP