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The expulsion of
Students from the medical school on grounds of their religious beliefs is
nothing but a blind persecution that belongs to dark ages. Notwithstanding
the fact that Pakistan was formed in the name of religion, but religion
Islam does not allow persecution of minorities or those who belong to a
sect different from the main stream Muslims. Islam, as a religion
recognizes people as humans before tagging them Muslims or non-Muslims. It
is about time for the people of Pakistan to recognize the basic human
rights of all those who live and serve as Pakistanis.
The right of
self expression and the right of embracing a religion of one’s choice is a
basic human right that should be afforded to every individual irrespective
of their political or religious membership. The persecution of people who
belong to different sects of Islam or religions is unacceptable in
accordance with Quranic teachings as well the international law.
Let this
incident be a challenge for the government of Pakistan to ensure that
justice and fairness is provided to each and every Pakistani without any
prejudice or malice.
It is my
understanding that the students, in question, were expelled for the ‘sin’
of distributing pamphlets. Instead of persecuting the holders of opposing
views, the society should hold discussions and debates with them providing
opportunity to all for participation and expressing their views.
It is an
important aspect of student life to take part in religious, political and
other social events to express themselves openly without undue
restrictions imposed by the members of majority or main stream religious
groups
The religious
intolerance that we note in Pakistan and Afghanistan today is not new to
humanity. It has been experienced for centuries in Europe among
Christians. It is high time for the public and the authorities of Pakistan
to learn the lessons from the European religious history rather than make
their own mistakes. In fact, they need not go too far to assess and
evaluate their actions, all they have to do is consult Quran.
It is my hope
that the students would be allowed back into the school and compensated
for their material and emotional losses – Quranic teachings would want the
authorities to do that.
Javed I. Chaudry
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