Below are press briefs in Pakistan on the reactions to the sacrifice of Bishop John Joseph:

Bishop’s Protest Against Court Verdict in Sahiwal

SAHIWAL: The bishop of Faisalabad, Dr. John Joseph, committed suicide by shooting himself through the head in front of the local sessions court, which had sentenced a Christian to death.

The suicide of the bishop, a well-known human rights activist and chairman of the National Justice and Peace Commission, marked his protest against the death sentence awarded to Ayub Masih, a member of the Christian community, by the local sessions judge under the blasphemy law on 27 April 1998. (Dawn, Lahore, 7 May 1998)

Bishop’s Death Widely Condoled

KARACHI: Christian religious organisatons within the country and abroad, in separate messages, have expressed deep shock over the tragic death of Bishop John Joseph.

The World Council of Churches in a message from Geneva said it was deeply grieved and distressed over the news of the untimely death of Bishop Joseph. (Dawn, Lahore, 9 May 1998)

Repeal of Blasphemy Laws Demanded

KARACHI: Various human rights organisations and political parties, at a meeting held at the office of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bishop John Joseph, saying this suicide represents the desperation that the minorities are driven to. Representatives from the Sindh Bar Council, Pakistan National Party, Awami Jamhoori Party, Oranigi Pilot Project, Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research, Tehrike Niswan, Women Peace Committee, Caritas, Urban Resource Centre and the Fishermen’s Cooperative Network attended the meeting. The meeting, in a resolution passed unanimously, stated: "We have consistently demanded the repeal of the Blasphemy Law particularly Article 295-B and C and pointed to its dangers." (Dawn, Lahore, 9 May 1998)

Nawaz Grieved Over Bishop’s Death

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the suicide of Bishop John. In a condolence message to the bereaved family and the Christian community, he said the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed full freedom and fundamental rights to the minorities. (Dawn, Lahore, 10 May 1998)

Benazir Condoles Bishop’s Death

RAWALPINDI: Opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has expressed shock and grief over the tragic death of Bishop John. In a message she said, it is a traumatic event which focuses the deep sense of frustration felt by the members of the minority communities at the misuse of blasphemy law by sonic extremist and bigoted elements. It also highlights the need for making the law foolproof against misuse as an instrument of personal vendetta and creating mischief in the name of religion. There is clearly a need to punish false accusers and the law, she said. (Dawn, Lahore, 11 May 1998)

Ghinva for Repealing Blasphemy Law

KARACHI: Ghinva Bhutto, chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party (SB), taking note of the suicide by Dr. John Joseph, has called upon the government of Pakistan to repeal the clause C of the Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code. (The News, Lahore, 9 May 1998)

LHC Admits Ayub Masih’s Appeal

MULTAN: The Lahore High Court, Multan bench, admitted appeal against the order of Sahiwal session judge in which Ayub Masih was awarded death penalty and fine one lakh rupees (US,000) in a blasphemy case. The appeal was heard by Mr. Justice Muhammad Naseem Chaudhary and Justice Ghulam Qureshi. The counsel took the plea that the lower court had failed to appreciate the provisions of criminal procedure code section 195 and 196 B with reference to the investigation and trial under section 295-A. (The News, Lahore, 11 May 1998)

Disinformation of Bishop’s Death Flayed

LAHORE: During a press conference the National Commission for Justice and Peace has accused the Federal Information Ministry of planting false news stories about the late Bishop John Joseph. The press conference was addressed by Bishop Joe Coutts of Hyderabad, Father Emannual Yousaf, Father Bonnie Mendes, Peter Jacob and Group Captain (retired) Cecil Chaudhary.

"It is very crucial on part of the government to have launched a disinformation campaign in the print media to minimise the sacrifice of the late bishop," Bishop Joe Coutts said. (Dawn, Lahore, 13 May 1998)

(Source: Media Watch Service, National Justice and Peace Commission in Pakistan, June 1998.)