Sherry Rahmen is an MP from Pakistan People's Party is now confined to her home in Karachi after introducing a bill in parliament that would make it illegal to make false charges of blasphemy. For doing this has been accused of blasphemy over a television interview she gave. Pakistan's harsh blasphemy law which imposes a penalty of death if convicted has been highlighted in the press due to the conviction of Asia Bibi for insulting Islam after an argument with fellow farm workers who were all Muslims.
The death threats against Ms. Rahmen come hard on the heels of the assassination of Salman Taseer the Governor of Punjab by his body guard Mumtaz Qadri for whom there have been large vocal demonstrations of support by religious hardliners who believe he was justified because Mr. Taseer supported a complete repeal of the blasphemy law.
How weak is Pakistan's current government? The fact that they have done nothing to quell the growing demonstrations by hard line elements within the country speaks volumes as does the Interior Ministers suggestion that Ms. Rahmen leave the country.
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