February 27, 2024
By Xari Jalil
LAHORE
Data collected by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) shows that the highest number of blasphemy allegations took place in 2023, with at least 329 persons accused under the law. Out of these 247 (75%) accused were Muslims, 65 were Ahmadis, 11 were Christians, one was Hindu, and the religious affiliation of five others who had been accused is still not known.
Punjab was the worst region when it came to the number of accusations. A total of 179 were accused followed by 79 in Sindh, 37 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), 32 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and one each in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
Seven persons were killed extra-judicially in the year 2023, including four in Punjab, one each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir.
Reportedly 95 people were killed extra-judicially between 1994 and 2023, no one was punished except Mumtaz Qadri. The statement said that this situation called for addressing the flaws in the existing laws and looming religious intolerance. At least 2449 persons had been accused of
committing blasphemy between 1987 and 2023.
Cases like THIS is exactly why my brave father @SalmaanTaseer raised his voice against the misuse of the blasphemy law. Unfortunately in Pak neither the gov & nor the army have the courage to take on issues like this. Banning social media won’t change the filth that is brewing. pic.twitter.com/ilwmYUzRD3
— Shehryar Taseer (@shehryar_taseer) February 27, 2024
The highest number of accused were 1279 Muslims (52%), followed by 782 Ahmadis (32%), 291 Christians (12%), and 45 Hindus (2%), while the religion of the accused (2%) was not confirmed. The highest number of cases 1770 were reported in Punjab (72%), followed by 471 in Sindh (19%), 99 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (4%), 55 in Azad Jammu Kashmir (2%), 35 in Islamabad, 12 in Balochistan, and 7 in Gilgit Baltistan.
CSJ cited data from the Punjab Prison Department revealing that as of February 13, 2024, there were 587 prisoners confined under sections 295-A, B & C of PPC in various jails across Punjab. Among these, 515 are under trial, including 508 male, 6 female, and 1 juvenile prisoners.
Referring to a recent incident in Lahore where a woman was accused of blasphemy due to a misunderstanding regarding her attire, CSJ appreciated the swift action taken by Punjab police to ensure her safety, however, the subsequent public apology by the woman underscored the grave risk posed by unchecked mob violence.
CSJ further urged the incoming government to establish a commission of inquiry under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956. This commission should be tasked with investigating the misuse of blasphemy laws, and determining the scale and motives behind such cases so that justice is served and innocent lives are protected. It is crucial to address the root causes of these issues and to promote a culture of tolerance and social harmony in Pakistan.
Senate took note last year
In October last year, the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights was informed that 179 people were under detention and facing trials across the country on charges of blasphemy, while 17 had been sentenced.
NCHR strongly condems the allegations of blasphemy against CJP #QaziFaezIsa.
— National Commission for Human Rights (@nchrofficial) February 21, 2024
Meanwhile, regarding the data released by CSJ, the organization’s chairperson Wajahat Masood and executive director Peter Jacob expressed deep
concern about the increasing abuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, especially in reaction to the recent decision by Supreme Court of Pakistan and the deplorable incident of intimidation of a woman in Ichhra, Lahore.