In a heart-wrenching act of courage, Prem Kolhi, a Hindu man, risked his life to save the body of Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar, a physician who was killed while in police custody in Mirpurkhas, Pakistan. Dr. Kumbhar, accused of blasphemy, was subjected to a gruesome fate as a mob set his body ablaze. Kolhi’s brave attempt to rescue the burning corpse starkly contrasts the indifference of the Paki establishment towards minorities.
The Sindh Police orchestrated this tragic incident. By allowing the mob to carry out such an act, the police have demonstrated a chilling complicity in the violence against those accused of blasphemy.
Disturbingly, the Sindh Police were celebrated by some community members after the incident, with flowers thrown at officers. This grotesque celebration of violence not only reveals a disturbing attitude towards the rule of law but also underscores the systemic failures of a police force that is supposed to protect all citizens, particularly the vulnerable minorities who are often the targets of religious extremism.
Dr. Kumbhar’s case is emblematic of a dangerous trend in Pakistan, where accusations of blasphemy lead to mob violence and extrajudicial killings. The misuse of blasphemy laws serves as a tool for persecution, creating a perfect hunting ground for religious minorities. In this context, the actions of Prem Kolhi shine as a beacon of humanity against a backdrop of systemic injustice.