Blasphemy cases reached record heights in Pakistan this year. According to a report of Pakistan’s National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), as of July 25 this year, there were 767 people held in prison with blasphemy accusations. The state-run independent commission released its report on October 31, showing that blasphemy cases have risen by more than 500 compared to last year, even more compared to previous years. In 2023, the blasphemy cases numbered 213, 64 in 2022, 9 in 2021, and 11 in 2020.

There are significant disparities in the distribution of cases between states. Even though Punjab is Pakistan’s most populous state, it has the highest number of imprisonments and cases relative to its population: 594. The other three states combined have not had as many imprisonments as Punjab alone. Sindh had 120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had 64, and Balochistan had two cases of imprisonment on accusations of blasphemy.

Early this year, the police in Punjab also released a report revealing the first presence of a so-called “blasphemy gang.” The group uses Pakistan’s stringent blasphemy laws to deceive and scam the victims to extort money from them.

Religious leaders in the country find the rise of blasphemy charges worrisome. The Muslim chairman of Kul Masalik Ulema (Council of Scholars), Muhammad Asim Makhdoom, endorsed the more in-depth investigation into cases of accusations of blasphemy. He said that,

“Many blasphemy cases are fabricated. They inflame public sentiments and defame the country. It is the responsibility of the state to prevent this misuse.”

Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, voiced his concerns about the extreme rise of blasphemy cases.

“Young and innocent people are being trapped online, and both Christians and Muslims are extremely worried. Some even complained of forced conversions. Involvement of cybercrime in blasphemy cases has only defamed the state.”

Jaipal Chhabria, a Hindu leader and former member of the defunct National Commission for Minorities, raised his voice for a blasphemy law that protects religious minorities.

“The religious minorities consider themselves insecure. Sadly, it is strengthened by religious parties. The state should ensure punishment of those involved in extrajudicial killings.”

Blasphemy charges and accusations are a hot and very sensitive topic in Pakistan. Even a mere allegation without basis is enough to ignite violent protests. In many blasphemy cases, the mob gathered together ended up causing havoc and turning violent. This year alone, four people fell victim to such senseless violence and lost their lives.

Source: Asia News

Photo: FMT