A minority rights group in Pakistan has raised concerns about the misuse of the country’s blasphemy laws, labeling them as tools of fear and profit. The Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM) highlighted the exploitation of these laws, with fabricated evidence like fake social media accounts and false witness statements being used to ensnare individuals, particularly from religious minority groups such as Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, Sikhs, and Shia Muslims. The VOPM emphasized that blasphemy allegations pose a constant threat to these communities, leading to social discrimination, economic marginalization, and devastating consequences upon accusation.
The VOPM pointed out that between 1994 and 2025, at least 104 individuals were extrajudicially killed following blasphemy allegations, illustrating the chilling effect of these laws. The rights group also expressed concerns over the role of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), especially its Cyber Crime Wing, in registering cases without proper forensic verification and acting on anonymous tips. Additionally, private vigilante groups, including those associated with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party, actively pursue alleged blasphemy cases online, while there are campaigns advocating decisive action against alleged offenders.
Highlighting the broader implications of the blasphemy law, the VOPM stressed that these allegations carry significant weight even before evidence is thoroughly examined, disproportionately affecting the poor, minorities, and socially marginalized individuals. The group noted that while the wealthy may afford legal defense, others are left with limited options such as silence, fleeing, or making payments to intermediaries for survival. As long as the death penalty remains tied to blasphemy laws, the VOPM warned that these provisions will continue to attract vigilantes, opportunists, and organized extortion networks.
The rights body criticized Pakistani authorities for failing to protect the most vulnerable, accusing the judiciary and law enforcement of enabling rather than safeguarding individuals. The VOPM urged Pakistan to dismantle the legal and institutional mechanisms that allow blasphemy to be used as a tool of intimidation, emphasizing the need to address the pervasive climate of fear in the country.
