In a recent development, the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights was apprised of a disconcerting situation in Pakistan, as the National Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (NHRC) disclosed that a concerning number of individuals, specifically 179, are currently detained and undergoing trials across the nation on charges related to blasphemy. Furthermore, this report noted that 17 individuals have already been sentenced in such cases.
This revelation came in response to a request made by Senator Walid Iqbal, the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, who sought detailed information regarding blasphemy cases from the NHRC. This inquiry arose in the wake of the regrettable Jaranwala incident, during which a violent mob caused destruction to numerous houses and places of worship due to allegations of blasphemy.
Senator Iqbal underscored the importance of transparency and equity in the application of the law, urging that information concerning cases involving Muslims should also be provided. As a result of the committee’s deliberations, a recommendation was adopted to establish a national coordination committee within the Ministry of Human Rights. This committee’s primary objective will be to formulate standard operating procedures aimed at ensuring effective control over issues that disproportionately impact minority communities.
In the report presented to the committee, it was revealed that a total of 179 individuals were currently in custody on charges of blasphemy. Breaking down this data by provinces, the report indicated that 17 individuals were detained in Islamabad, 18 in Punjab, 78 in Sindh, 55 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one in Balochistan.
Additionally, the report outlined that 17 individuals had been convicted thus far, with 11 from Islamabad, four from Sindh, and two from Balochistan. Notably, no convictions were reported from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Senator Iqbal expressed his concerns about the potential misuse of blasphemy laws for personal vendettas and emphasized the committee’s commitment to investigating mechanisms to prevent such misuse. To facilitate this, Senator Sherry Rehman will be invited to discuss strategies to safeguard the integrity of these laws. It was further noted that a bill previously introduced by Senator Rehman, addressing blasphemy laws, will be thoroughly examined during the committee’s future sessions.
