The recent incidents of violence and persecution in Pakistan over blasphemy accusations have once again highlighted the dangerous consequences of religious extremism in the country.
Last month, protests erupted in major Pakistani cities after a top judge ruled on a blasphemy case, leading to online backlash and threats. In Punjab Province, a police officer rescued a woman from an attack by people who mistook Arabic script on her dress for Quranic verses. In Karachi, a group demolished the minarets on a house of worship used by the Ahmadi sect, a persecuted minority in Pakistan.
Blasphemy is a serious offense in Pakistan, with a conviction potentially resulting in death. However, even accusations of blasphemy can lead to mob violence and extrajudicial killings before cases can go to trial. The political climate in Pakistan has given cover to extremism, and the police force sometimes struggles to intervene in such situations.
In a recent incident in Lahore, a woman wearing a dress with Arabic script was accused of blasphemy by a crowd in a local market. Police officer Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi intervened, negotiating with the mob and securing a written apology from them after explaining that the dress did not contain Quranic verses.
Despite Pakistan never executing anyone for blasphemy, extrajudicial killings by mobs are a common occurrence. Last year, eight people accused of blasphemy died in this manner, with little intervention from authorities. The rise of extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan has further fueled religious violence in the country.
Experts and activists warn that the glorification of extremist groups and the misuse of blasphemy laws have created a crisis in Pakistan, escalating the threat of religion-based violence to alarming levels. The need for intervention and protection of individuals accused of blasphemy is crucial to prevent further bloodshed and persecution in the country.
