A minority rights organization has accused Pakistan of using blasphemy laws as a tool for systematic coercion. The Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM) claims that these laws are exploited by organized religious groups to intimidate various pillars of the justice system and state machinery. The VOPM highlights that blasphemy accusations often lead to arrests and detentions based on vague and broad wording, rather than genuine incitement or hate speech.
The VOPM further reveals that blasphemy allegations are not just spontaneous outbursts but are sometimes orchestrated by organized networks. It mentions the existence of a coordinated “blasphemy business group” or “Islamist gang” that fabricates cases by circulating alleged blasphemous content online and then extorting the accused or their families. The rights body also points out the challenges faced by judges in Pakistan who handle blasphemy cases under constant intimidation.
According to the VOPM, lawyers defending individuals accused of blasphemy are at significant risk, with some having been assassinated. The organization cites instances where lawyers have been targeted for representing blasphemy suspects, leading many legal professionals to avoid taking up such cases. This situation results in accused individuals lacking proper legal representation and facing biased proceedings that often lead to conviction or prolonged detention.
The rights body emphasizes that the prevailing climate of fear in Pakistan’s judicial system results in judges hesitating to grant bail, delaying case resolutions, or passing the responsibility to higher judicial authorities to evade individual accountability. It notes that Pakistani courts frequently overlook procedural safeguards during blasphemy trials, prioritizing managing extremist pressures over ensuring justice. The VOPM concludes by urging Pakistan to address the misuse of blasphemy laws, warning that failure to do so will perpetuate the dominance of extremist elements within the state’s institutions.
