Originally published in Northwest Herald
Saturday marks the 39th anniversary of the death of what could have been a great nation.
Exactly 39 years ago, humanity, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression suffered a tragic death when Pakistan introduced and passed a constitutional amendment deciding who is a “real” Muslim.
Under this amendment, Ahamdi Muslims are forbidden from calling themselves Muslims and are required to denounce their holy founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahamd of Qadian, to vote and obtain visas.
This amendment also provided a platform for Pakistan’s infamous blasphemy laws in 1984, and the only thing that is nondiscriminatory under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws is their application. These blasphemy laws have falsely and unjustly incriminated Christians, Hindus, atheists and Ahmadis alike.
As Americans, we should be thankful to live in a country that celebrates freedom of religion and freedom of expression. Additionally, we should mourn the loss of what could have been a great nation that had limitless potential.
