April 24, 2006	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 25, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, April 23: All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (Apma) has demanded of the government to establish a ‘National Crisis Cell’ that could safeguard the country’s minorities against attacks similar to the ones recently carried out by angry mobs during the cartoon controversy.

The consultative meeting of Apma’s action committee was held here on Sunday that came up with a charter of demands aimed at awarding equal rights to non-Muslims living in Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference, Apma President Shahbaz Bhatti said the charter of demands would be submitted to the government and all political and religio-political parties to create an atmosphere of interfaith harmony and solidarity in the Pakistani society faced with the challenges of extremism and terrorism.

“The minorities are prepared to talk to each and every religio-political party and gain their support for pressing the government to abolish discriminatory laws,” he said.

Representatives of Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Bhais and other minorities attended the meeting.

Mr Bhatti said the education system must be reformed in a manner to provide equal rights to the minorities.

“If Muslims are provided teachers for Islamic Studies in schools and colleges, minorities should also be provided the same facility to improve their knowledge about their beliefs and ways of life,” he said.