Rehman Malik’s remarks & Christians

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

THE government must take serious notice of the comments made by Interior Minister Rehman Malik who compared the zucchetto of the Holy Father with Dr Tahirul Qadri’s cap.

He made fun of Dr Qadri by mocking him, saying ‘his cap looks like one that of the Pope’. He also said that Dr Qadri looks like a mini-Pope. Rehman Malik should have respect for the Holy Father who is the sole representative of the biggest religion of the world.

He has violated the constitution of Pakistan by his irresponsible statement and we, the Christians, condemn it. He must apologise publicly for hurting the religious sentiments of Christians.

Pakistan is already in a critical situation and such statements can be more harmful and can lead to another march to Islamabad by Christians.

ANJUM JAMES PAUL Chairman, Pakistan Minorities Teachers Association Lahore

Affront

WILL the Chief Justice take notice of the remarks made by Rehman Malik for making fun of the attire of Dr Tahirul Qadri, calling him a semi-pope and ‘padri’?

This is an affront and has hurt the sentiments of Christians. Why was he so scared of Dr Qadri’s cap?

JOHNNY MATHEW Karachi

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Irfan Baloch

Jan 21, 2013 01:08pm

Rehman Malik didnt think before talking nothing surprising there

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A Pakistani

Jan 21, 2013 08:11pm

Agreed with the writer. The minister should apologize.

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mazharuddin

Jan 21, 2013 06:13pm

People need to check Tahirul Qadri's belief and thought and his launching campaign at the time when election is near. At otherside notice the encouragement to him by some religious extremists that he claimed his struggle as battle of Karbala.

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Ahmed j

Jan 21, 2013 10:04am

Rehman Malik's comments were derogatory not only to Christians but also to other religious beliefs. The British Government and the press must take notice of Pakistani Interior Minister, Rehman Malik's derogatory remarks and making mockery of other religious beliefs. Any public official giving a statement which reflects discrimination against any individual or group is a serious crime. In the past, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom has barred an entry to Britain to individuals who had discriminatory views and thoughts. Same law can be employed by the British Government to stop him entering the UK. The Minister is a frequent visitor to the UK

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Anoop Hallimala

Jan 21, 2013 08:39am

The natural question is even the cap does like it, so what? Is a cap resembling the Pope so bad? Is Pope a bad man?

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Rafiq Ali

Jan 21, 2013 11:28am

Thank you, khanm: But, I wonder: who will apologize to all of Pakistan for Mr Malik's perpetually offensive remarks and acts through most of the last three years?

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khanm

Jan 21, 2013 11:15am

he is a citizen of UK and that is not OK.

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khanm

Jan 21, 2013 01:44pm

We the Pakistanis are the culprit. We put him in that office. so as a nation it our moral duty condemn his action.Will Rehman Malik show any sign of remorse?... I seriously doubt it.

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Naseer

Jan 22, 2013 03:00am

I am sorry to hear this and strongly condemn any one making mockery of any religion. Religion is a matter between the worshiper and the worshiped. No one has the right to pass judgement or intervene or force any one in this matter. Islam teaches us to respect everyone's religion and beliefs.

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khanm

Jan 21, 2013 08:01am

I think Dr Qadri should sue him in Canada for mocking him; In Pakistan we don?t have laws as such. do we? In a lawless society power is the prime law..... As common decency, we Pakistanis apologize on behalf of Mr. Rehman Malik to have offended the Christian community.

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shaaz

Jan 21, 2013 10:35am

@Anjum Please check your facts. The Pope isnt the "sole" representative of the biggest religion in this world. He does not represent those Christians who follow the Church of England. Furthermore, since he is not an elected representative, he cannot be deemed an eligible "representative" of all the Catholics in this world.

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Jan 21, 2013 09:34am

Very well said SIr. An apology should also come from the Minister himself.

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