Ban on 800 sites over Facebook violates Pakistanis’ “fundamental freedom”: Sherry Rehman
By ANITuesday, May 25, 2010
Islamabad, May 25(ANI): Sherry Rehman, a Member of the Pakistan National Assembly, has said that the indiscriminate blocking of websites is affecting the “fundamental freedom” of millions of people in the country.
“Given the deeply offensive, anti-Muslim nature of the Facebook postings, it was understandable that some response was warranted, but why is Pakistan Telecom Authority blocking 800 other sites? Why is the Webster dictionary and Wikipedia being blocked,” The Nation quoted Rehman, as saying in a statement.
“Thousands of Pakistani students use these sites on the daily basis. There is no need to lose sight of fundamental freedoms for 180 million people if one server has caused offence.”
“Freedom of expression is a jealously guarded, and very hard-won right, and we must not squander it in a rush to tar all outlets with one brush,” she added.
She further said that those who have caused wilful offence in the name of freedom must expect limits, but insisted that the officials must not act in a rush.
“I just hope this incident does not become a curtain-raiser for other curtailments,” Rehman said.
Earlier, Justice Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry of the Lahore High Court had ordered the government to shut down social networking sites Facebook and Twitter for displaying blasphemous drawings of Prophet Muhammad.
The government in response banned hundreds of other web pages for containing sacrilegious content, as protests over the Prophet Muhammad issue had intensified across the country. (ANI)
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May 25, 2010: 1:23 pm
Summery of response: Keep in mind “freedom of speech” on religions is pith in developed countries(Europe and American). They have left behind the religions in 17th century, most of them don’t take religion too serious so are progressing in this era. “Freedom of speech“ is non-negotiable in Modern World. When you ask for respect for Islam and your Prophet. You forget that prophet Muhammad himself destroyed idles in Mecca in the first place without caring other religions, Taliban in Afghanistan did the same way but never was such response. When you burn flags of other counties, is that not offensive for their nation. Through out the Islam expansion period Muslims destroyed other religions not with preaching with sword too. When Hindus ask you to not eat cows because it is like God of some Hindus, you laugh at them. This is the way you respect other religions. “Islam is religion of peace and Tolerance” is a slogan from moderate Muslims but Muslims never show any tolerance; see how your react in Pakistan showing tolerance and peace. Instead of asking other to read Quran and Hadith, better read it yourself first in translation. Which state that: ”you can beat your wife.” ‘Earth is flat” “Star are made to make sky beautiful” ”Muhammad married 9 years girls while he was 52 years old” “Kill the infidels” ”Jews can’t be your friend (even there was no Israel)” “Universe was created in seven days” “Islam orders kill the apostate” There are many more contradiction of science and human right with Islam. I know Islam is not bad but these are the issues which need to be discussed. When your religion causes “suicide bombing” “hijacking plans” “killing Journalists”. After having all these issue how world can put it above criticism even there is no exception for other religions. Only the problems with Muslims are they attached with religions too firmly and never negotiate on this. Please think that your religion can be false. Keep in mind that all religions are man made. Take them seriously in every wake of life is problem now because they were make centuries ago. “Peace””Love all humanity not only muslims brothers also Jews can be your brothers if you love them too.” !! !! |
Imran khan