Once again, the controversial blasphemy laws of Pakistan have proven to be a weapon of mass persecution rather than a safeguard for religious sanctity. In a recent incident, an individual named Humayun has been accused of desecrating the Quran during a domestic altercation. Instead of handling the matter through proper investigation, a local cleric incited violence by displaying a torn Quran atop a shop roof, inflaming the sentiments of radical groups.
Following this, Charsadda Road has been shut down entirely due to the violent protests of Islamists, while police contingents scramble to prevent further escalation. However, the history of blasphemy cases in Pakistan paints a grim picture. Recently, Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar, a physician falsely accused of blasphemy, was savagely murdered by a mob while under the supposed “protection” of Sindh Police. In another case a suspect in Quetta, arrested on similar charges, was gunned down inside the Cantonment Police Station by a constable who acted as judge, jury, and executioner.
Such incidents reveal a systematic failure where law enforcement either actively enables or passively allows extremist violence. Extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) operate freely, exploiting the blasphemy laws to spread fear and chaos. These laws, far from ensuring justice, have become tools of oppression, disproportionately targeting religious minorities and marginalized communities.
The Paki establishment’s role in perpetuating this cycle of violence cannot be overlooked. By nurturing extremist ideologies for political leverage, they have cultivated an environment where mob justice prevails. Individuals accused of blasphemy are denied due process, facing not only public lynching but also Army-state complicity in their persecution.
Minorities like Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis have borne the brunt of these laws. A mere accusation can result in imprisonment, death threats, or outright murder. The fear of radical backlash silences dissenting voices, while victims and their families are left with no recourse.
Pakistan’s unchecked blasphemy laws are not just a domestic issue but a global one. These laws have been condemned by international human rights organizations, yet the establishment continues to use them as a political weapon to appease radical factions.