LAHORE, March 23: National Commission for Justice and Peace Chairperson Bishop Lawrence J Saldhana has said the federal cabinet decision to restore the religion column in the passport had exposed the government. Ripping to shreds the decision in a statement issued here on Wednesday, Bishop Saldhana said the move was a symbolic turn around from claims of moderation and enlightenment to fundamentalism.

Contrary to expectations of taking concrete steps towards addressing the issues concerning the well-being of masses, the cabinet had chosen to play around the non-issues. He said the decision had showed that the government was not acting on principles and was yielding to the pressure of extremist forces.

It was sad to note that religious minorities in the country were neither consulted on the issue nor their concern on it was taken into account.