RUTHFULLY YOURS

Another blasphemy incident has occurred in Pakistan, in the district of Sargodha on July 16, sending shockwaves throughout the country. This disturbing incident has ignited unrest in the area, leaving local Christians deeply concerned for their safety.

Mohd Abdul Gaffar, a retired Pakistan Air Force officer from Green Town, reported that as he was returning home after morning prayers with the imam of the local mosque and two friends, he discovered a small pamphlet containing blasphemous content on the boundary wall of his house. The contents of the pamphlet were highly disrespectful towards Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other revered figures. The pamphlet also contained derogatory comments against the holy Quran and even praised the recent burning of a Quran in Sweden. Disturbing sketches targeting revered personalities were found as well.

News of the incident spread rapidly in the area, drawing people from far and wide to gather at the location. Outraged, the crowd expressed their anger and frustration, demanding severe punishment for the blasphemer who created the pamphlet, chanting the slogan, “the punishment for insulting the Prophet is the separation of the head from the body,” as the only suitable punishment for blasphemy.

Tensions continued to escalate, roads were blocked, and the community demanded swift action and the registration of a case against the alleged blasphemer. Soon afterwards, the police arrived to calm down the crowd and bring the situation under control. In compliance with the Muslim community’s demand, a First Information Report was filed against unknown individuals under the blasphemy sections of the Penal Code: 295A, 295B, 295c, and 298A.

There are several Christian towns in the neighbouring areas, with a Christian population of approximately 4,000-5,000. Although the police intervention prevented an immediate attack on Christians, fear still permeates the Christian community. This incident marks the third case of blasphemy in the Sargodha district.

The identity of the perpetrator behind the recent incident remains unknown, although some Muslims believe Christians are responsible.

In response, the police decided to maintain a presence in the area to prevent potential attacks on Christians.

There is an escalating situation in Pakistan, particularly in Sargodha, where this blasphemy incident took place. Haroon Shahzad, a Christian man from the village of Chak No. 49, was previously released on bail, but recently had his bail revoked due to objectionable content on his Facebook feed. Furthermore, in the village of Chak No. 98, in the same district, another Christian man, Zaki Masih, was charged under Penal Code section 295A, for allegedly posting blasphemous content.

The situation of the unknown identity of the perpetrator in this latest blasphemy case is cause for alarm, and it is unfortunate that fingers are being pointed towards Christians.

Local Christians are fully aware of the severe consequences associated with such acts.

Past incidents include those in Shanti Nagar, Joseph Colony, Gojra, and Korain, where several people were murdered, some burned alive, while dozens of Christians are still languishing in prison, awaiting their fate. It is worth noting that all those accused of committing blasphemy (who were not murdered by lynch mobs) were eventually proven innocent in court and freed.

In response to the recent incident of the burning of a Quran in Sweden, Pakistani Christians have unequivocally condemned the act and consistently stood in solidarity with their Muslim brethren.

It is believed that, regrettably, certain individuals in Pakistan are exploiting the incident of the Quran burning in Sweden as an excuse to fuel the flames of hatred and seek revenge against local Christians, who are peaceful, believe in respect for all religions, and have no connection to the Swedish incident.

The infamous case of Rimsha Masih reminder us how local imam Hafiz Mohammed Khalid Chishti fabricated false accusations against Christians with the intention of driving them out of their communities.

The deepening situation raises significant concerns, necessitating a serious response from the government to restore peace and harmony in the country. It is crucial for the Pakistani government to take necessary steps to stop the ongoing misuse of the Penal Code’s blasphemy sections against Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan.

The Penal Code’s blasphemy sections:

295-A: Deliberate and malicious acts Intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting Its religion or religious beliefs: Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the ‘religious feelings of any class of the citizens of Pakistan, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations insults the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both.

295-B: Defiling, etc., of Holy Qur’an: Whoever wilfully defiles, damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy Qur’an or of an extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for any unlawful purpose shall be punishable with imprisonment for life.

295-C: Use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet: Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.

In 1990, Pakistan’s Federal Shariah Court ruled that the death penalty should be mandatory.

In section 298-A of Pakistan Penal Code, the punishment against the person who disrespects the wives, family and Companions of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), imprisonment of with minimum three years period along with a nominal penalty, while this is a bailable charge.

Nasir Saeed is Director of CLAAS-UK — Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement, an interdenominational organisation working for Christians who are being persecuted because of their faith in Pakistan. CLAAS works for religious freedom, to stop persecution of Christians in Pakistan because of blasphemy and other discriminatory laws, raise awareness, disseminate information and highlight the plight of Christians on an international level. CLAAS provides free legal aid to victims of religious intolerance in Pakistan, as well as shelter and financial support for the victims and their families.