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UK News

"Religious freedom and education" needed for world peace, says Dr Paul Bhatti

Dr Bhatti told Premier that: "I am convinced that religious freedom and education together can be the solution to solve the problem of world peace especially in context of Pakistan. We need to put in all our efforts to support the immediacy of poverty, illiteracy, terrorism and extremism."

Speaking about his brother, Dr Bhatti said "There have been ups and downs since my brother's death, but lately I feel like things are improving". Religious Minorities Minister, Shahbaz Bhati, a Christian who spoke out against Pakistan's blasphemy laws, was shot dead in 2011 in Islamabad.

Christians in Pakistan have faced persecution and violence from the abuse of the country's Blasphemy laws. Those convicted under these laws can face up to 10 years in prison.

In their Persecuted and Forgotten report, Aid to the Church in Need, said that a society where mob action can undermine the law is compounded by "intrinsic problems with the blasphemy sections of the country's Penal Code".

Dr Bhatti, on the subject of reformation, said "We have to change the mind-set regarding the blasphemy laws."

Rehman Chisht , Gillingham and Rainham MP, echoed the need to improve the attitudes towards religious freedom in Pakistan: "It's about changing hearts and minds. We have Muslims and Pakistani origin here in the UK who can practice their faith openly and freely in a Christian country.

"They have a duty to say that minority faiths should be able to do the same in Pakistan. Government to government can only do certain amounts, but I think it is individuals taking that responsibility saying that it has to change."

Dr Bhatti ended on a positive note for the future: "I feel that Pakistan is changing; all extremist organisations are banned, most terrorist groups are weakened. This has great hope for the future, that everybody can live in peace without fear."

Written by Amy Sheridan

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