Blasphemy cases in Pakistan are rising rapidly, causing concern among religious leaders and rights advocates. According to a report from Pakistan’s National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), arrests for blasphemy in the first half of 2024 have tripled compared to last year. As of July 25, 767 people are in prison accused of blasphemy, compared to just 213 in all of 2023.
The report shows that most cases are in Punjab, the largest province, with 594 imprisonments. Sindh follows with 120 cases, then Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 64, and two in Balochistan. Many of these cases are linked to the Cybercrime Unit, reportedly involving “a private entity” that entraps young men online.
Religious leaders are alarmed. Bishop Samson Shukardin of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan expressed concern, noting that many young people, including Christians and Muslims, are targeted and trapped online.
Muslim scholar Muhammad Asim Makhdoom urged the government to investigate these cases more thoroughly, as many accusations may be false. “It’s the state’s responsibility to prevent misuse of this law,” he said, noting that mere allegations can incite mob violence.
Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where charges can lead to extreme public reactions and even mob violence. Although blasphemy can carry the death penalty, none have been executed under this law. However, 89 people have been lynched after accusations, with four incidents occurring this year alone.
The NCHR report calls for reforms to improve conditions in prisons and for better checks on government and private entities involved in blasphemy cases. Hindu leader Jaipal Chhabria also called for protection for religious minorities and urged the state to take action against extrajudicial killings, which have left minority communities feeling insecure.
Source: UCANEWS
