Amid a backdrop of long-standing controversies and rising tensions, Pakistan is taking steps towards amending its contentious blasphemy laws. This move follows a significant government crackdown on a prominent hardline Islamist group, suggesting a renewed commitment to address the misuse of these laws.
On October 16, Azam Nazeer Tarar, the Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights, declared the government’s intention to implement “procedural safeguards” to prevent false blasphemy accusations. These measures aim to ensure fair investigations and enhance judicial sensitivity in related cases.
Blasphemy, particularly offenses against the Prophet Muhammad, is punishable by death in Pakistan. Since 1990, numerous individuals accused of this crime have been killed by mobs or extremists. Human rights organizations have repeatedly demanded reforms or the repeal of these colonial-era laws.
During a symposium on Interfaith Harmony and Fundamental Rights, organized by the Federal Judicial Academy and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, Tarar emphasized the government’s initiatives to foster inclusivity. Efforts include the establishment of minority protection cells and the promotion of human rights awareness.
Tarar stated, according to the Press Information Department, “Respect for minorities and protection of their rights lie at the heart of Pakistan’s constitution and remain a fundamental responsibility of the state.”
He advocated for collaboration among the judiciary, religious scholars, media, and civil society to nurture compassion and interfaith understanding, underscoring its importance for societal stability.
Ejaz Alam Augustine, a Christian parliamentarian in Punjab, expressed support for the proposed reforms. He highlighted that extremism has often been exacerbated by the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan.
Augustine noted, “While sacrilege can never be condoned, it is the misuse of these laws to settle personal scores and persecute vulnerable groups that has led to frequent incidents of violence in society.” He stressed the necessity of reforming these laws to prevent false allegations and safeguard all faith communities.
In a related development, on October 23, the federal government endorsed a proposal from the Punjab administration to ban Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This decision followed violent protests over Gaza, which resulted in fatalities and disrupted major routes between Karachi and Islamabad.
The TLP, originating in 2015 as a pro-blasphemy movement, evolved into a political party in the following year. It faced a ban in 2021 due to violent protests, which was lifted six months later after promises to renounce violence. Officials cited the party’s failure to uphold these commitments as the reason for the recent ban.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry remarked that the TLP had “acted like an extremist group and violated its prior commitments”.
An intelligence officer, as reported by The Friday Times, indicated that religious extremism in Pakistan has intensified to a point where decisive actions against radical groups are imperative. He referenced recruitment data showing that 95% of applicants for lower-level security positions supported the 2011 assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer by Mumtaz Qadri, who was executed subsequently.
The TLP, known for defending Qadri, has been associated with an increase in blasphemy accusations and attacks on Christians and Ahmadis. In August 2023, its supporters demolished churches and Christian residences in Jaranwala, Faisalabad District, following false blasphemy charges against two men. In June 2024, an elderly Christian, Nazeer Masih Gill, was lynched in Sargodha for allegedly burning the Quran.
Pakistan is ranked eighth on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List of countries where Christians encounter the most severe persecution.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
