FYI: I urge all of you to send a similar missive to protest the
blasphemy conviction of Dr. Shaikh. Thanks!

The Hon. Gen. P. Musharraff
Chief of State
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Islamabad
Pakistan

The Hon. Ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Washington, D.C.

August 22, 2001

Dear Sirs:

I am writing to express my dismay at reports that Dr. Younis Shaikh
has been sentenced to death for blasphemy in your country.

I have followed the news reports of this case very closely and it
appears Dr. Shaikh is being "railroaded" by personal enemies who are
abusing your country's unjust and ill-defined blasphemy laws to
settle a personal score.

I urge you to take action immediately to secure the liberty of Dr.
Shaikh. If this innocent man is put to death, I am afraid that
Pakistan will stand convicted in the court of world opinion as a
supporter of judicial murder. I also urge you to take action to
repeal the blasphemy laws as I've read substantial evidence that they
are being abused by religious fanatics to persecute minorities in
your country.

I want you to know that I am an American citizen and I am writing to
my elected officials to let them know of this injustice and the
injustices of the blasphemy laws in general. I am sure you appreciate
that my country provides a large amount of aid to Pakistan and as a
taxpayer, this money is coming out of my pocket. I'm upset that my
tax money is being used to support a country where such injustices
take place.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely yours,

(my real name)