National Catholic Reporter | 062518
Rome — A Pakistani archbishop has warned about the “gradual erosion” of religious freedom in his country, saying the nation’s caretaker government has not been able to control vigilantism undertaken by religious extremists.
Karachi Cardinal-designate Joseph Coutts, who will become Pakistan’s first cardinal in 24 years during a Vatican ceremony June 28, said a law in his Muslim-majority country meant to prevent blasphemy against Islam is “being very easily misused.”
“It’s causing a lot of problems right now,” said Coutts, speaking at June 25 event on religious freedom co-hosted by the U.S. embassy to the Holy See, Aid to the Church in Need, and the Sant’Egidio Community. “People are being killed … just because of an accusation.”
“Our government is not strong enough to control the kind of extremism that has developed in the country,” he said. “It is enough to accuse someone of blasphemy … and you’re finished.”