An 8-year-old boy has been charged with blasphemy in Pakistan becoming the youngest person ever to face such a charge. Palki Sharma tells you how Pakistan exploits its blasphemy laws to target its minorities.

Gravitas: 8-yr-old Hindu boy charged with blasphemy in Pak

An eight-year-old Hindu boy is being held in protective police custody in east Pakistan after becoming the youngest person ever to be charged with blasphemy in the country.

The boy is accused of intentionally urinating on a carpet in the library of a madrassa, where religious books were kept, last month. Blasphemy charges can carry the death penalty.

His family is in hiding and many of the Hindu community in the conservative district of Rahim Yar Khan, in Punjab, have fled their homes. This happened after a Muslim crowd attacked a Hindu temple after the boy’s release on bail last week.

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The deplorable attack on a Hindu temple in Bhong, Rahimyar Khan, is a recurring example of mob-led violence against vulnerable religious minorities. The fact that this occurred in response to a court granting bail to a child charged with a minor offence is of particular concern. <a href="https://t.co/aDENO5PKte">pic.twitter.com/aDENO5PKte</a>
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) <a href="https://twitter.com/HRCP87/status/1423214268971950080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also, troops were deployed to the area.&nbsp;

As of now, 20 people were arrested in connection with the temple attack.

The Guardian claims to know the identity of the boy and his family, however, they chose to protect it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-holds-mass-cremations-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-404193">Also read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka holds mass cremations amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

Speaking from an undisclosed location, a member of the boy’s family was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “He [the boy] is not even aware of such blasphemy issues and he has been falsely indulged in these matters. He still doesn’t understand what his crime was and why he was kept in jail for a week.&nbsp;

“We have left our shops and work, the entire community is scared and we fear backlash. We don’t want to return to this area. We don’t see any concrete and meaningful action will be taken against the culprits or to safeguard the minorities living here.”

Blasphemy charges filed against a child left the lawmakers completely stunned.&nbsp;

Ramesh Kumar, a lawmaker and head of the Pakistan Hindu Council, was quoted by The Guardian saying, "The attack on the temple and blasphemy allegations against the eight-year-old minor boy has really shocked me. More than a hundred homes of the Hindu community have been emptied due to fear of attack".

An eight-year-old Hindu boy is being held in protective police custody in east Pakistan after becoming the youngest person ever to be charged with blasphemy in the country.

An eight-year-old Hindu boy is being held in protective police custody in east Pakistan after becoming the youngest person ever to be charged with blasphemy in the country. The boy is accused of intentionally urinating on a carpet in the library of a madrassa, where religious books were kept, last month. Blasphemy charges can carry the death penalty. His family is in hiding and many of the Hindu community in the conservative district of Rahim Yar Khan, in Punjab, have fled their homes. This happened after a Muslim crowd attacked a Hindu temple after the boy’s release on bail last week. The deplorable attack on a Hindu temple in Bhong, Rahimyar Khan, is a recurring example of mob-led violence against vulnerable religious minorities. The fact that this occurred in response to a court granting bail to a child charged with a minor offence is of particular concern. pic.twitter.com/aDENO5PKte — Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) August 5, 2021 × Also, troops were deployed to the area. As of now, 20 people were arrested in connection with the temple attack. The Guardian claims to know the identity of the boy and his family, however, they chose to protect it. Also read | Sri Lanka holds mass cremations amid surge in coronavirus cases Speaking from an undisclosed location, a member of the boy’s family was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “He [the boy] is not even aware of such blasphemy issues and he has been falsely indulged in these matters. He still doesn’t understand what his crime was and why he was kept in jail for a week. “We have left our shops and work, the entire community is scared and we fear backlash. We don’t want to return to this area. We don’t see any concrete and meaningful action will be taken against the culprits or to safeguard the minorities living here.” Blasphemy charges filed against a child left the lawmakers completely stunned. Ramesh Kumar, a lawmaker and head of the Pakistan Hindu Council, was quoted by The Guardian saying, "The attack on the temple and blasphemy allegations against the eight-year-old minor boy has really shocked me. More than a hundred homes of the Hindu community have been emptied due to fear of attack".

8-yr-old Hindu boy becomes youngest person charged with blasphemy in Pakistan

A Pakistani police constable has been arrested after killing a man with an axe who was acquitted of blasphemy charges last year, a police spokesman said.

Waqas Ahmed was tried and acquitted in 2016 over a Facebook post.

Abdul Qadir, a policeman in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab province, was enraged by the verdict and assaulted him with a cleaver late on Friday.&nbsp;

"He... had been planning to kill him since 2016 over allegations of disrespecting the Prophet Mohammed," said Rana Muhammad Ashraf, a police official.

Ahmed Nawaz, a police spokesman, confirmed the incident, adding that the victim's brother was also injured in the attack.

"The constable voluntarily gave himself up to the police," Nawaz said.

According to police, the attacker and the victim were both from the same tribe and village, and they were examining whether there was any personal animosity between them.&nbsp;

In Pakistan, blasphemy is a serious offence, punishable by death. The law, however, is difficult to fight as it does not clearly define what is blasphemous. Presenting evidence can sometimes be considered a violation in itself.

Blasphemy is a controversial topic in the Islamic Republic, with critics claiming that the rules are sometimes used to settle personal scores and unfairly target minorities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistani police constable has been arrested after killing a man with an axe who was acquitted of blasphemy charges last year, a police spokesman said. Waqas Ahmed was tried and acquitted in 2016 over a Facebook post.

A Pakistani police constable has been arrested after killing a man with an axe who was acquitted of blasphemy charges last year, a police spokesman said. Waqas Ahmed was tried and acquitted in 2016 over a Facebook post. Abdul Qadir, a policeman in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab province, was enraged by the verdict and assaulted him with a cleaver late on Friday. "He... had been planning to kill him since 2016 over allegations of disrespecting the Prophet Mohammed," said Rana Muhammad Ashraf, a police official. Ahmed Nawaz, a police spokesman, confirmed the incident, adding that the victim's brother was also injured in the attack. "The constable voluntarily gave himself up to the police," Nawaz said. According to police, the attacker and the victim were both from the same tribe and village, and they were examining whether there was any personal animosity between them. In Pakistan, blasphemy is a serious offence, punishable by death. The law, however, is difficult to fight as it does not clearly define what is blasphemous. Presenting evidence can sometimes be considered a violation in itself. Blasphemy is a controversial topic in the Islamic Republic, with critics claiming that the rules are sometimes used to settle personal scores and unfairly target minorities. (With inputs from agencies)

Man acquitted of blasphemy killed by Pakistani policemen with an axe

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Monday said that a planned&nbsp;event at the United Nations on the repression of Uighur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang was an insult to the institution.

"The US has rounded up a few countries to abuse the resources and platform of the United Nations to smear and attack China to serve its interests. This is total blasphemy against the United Nations,"&nbsp;Hua&nbsp;said at a daily news conference in Beijing.

Some Western states and rights groups have accused authorities in Xinjiang of detaining and torturing Uighurs in camps, which the United States has described as genocide.&nbsp;

In January, Washington banned the import of cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang over allegations of forced labour.

Beijing denies the accusations and describes the camps as vocational training centres to combat religious extremism.

(With inputs from agencies)

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Monday said that a planned event at the United Nations on the repression of Uighur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang was an insult to the institution.

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Monday said that a planned event at the United Nations on the repression of Uighur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang was an insult to the institution. "The US has rounded up a few countries to abuse the resources and platform of the United Nations to smear and attack China to serve its interests. This is total blasphemy against the United Nations," Hua said at a daily news conference in Beijing. Some Western states and rights groups have accused authorities in Xinjiang of detaining and torturing Uighurs in camps, which the United States has described as genocide. In January, Washington banned the import of cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang over allegations of forced labour. Beijing denies the accusations and describes the camps as vocational training centres to combat religious extremism. (With inputs from agencies)

China cries foul, calls planned UN event on Xinjiang 'total blasphemy'

The Pakistan government has decided that there would be no compromise on the country`s controversial blasphemy law, days after the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a review of Islamabad eligibility for the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in wake of an "alarming" increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday chaired a meeting to review the EU Parliament`s Thursday resolution that claimed that there has been an alarming increase in accusations of blasphemy online and offline in Pakistan over the past year, The Express Tribune reported.

The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases.

Pakistan has expressed disappointment over the adoption of the resolution by the EU. According to sources, the meeting on Monday decided not to compromise on the blasphemy law as well as the law declaring Ahmadi community non-Muslim.

The meeting was told that Pakistan`s agreement with the EU did not include any condition with regard to religion.Pakistan had made a total of eight agreements with the EU on various human rights issues including human freedom, enforced disappearances, women rights and minority rights.The meeting was told that the country would suffer an annual loss of $3billion if the EU revokes its GSP+ status.

In January 2014, the EU granted Pakistan status under its flagship trading scheme, the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).The GSP+ provides enhanced and preferential free trade between the EU and a small list of countries that are meant to be among those developing countries with the best human rights records.

According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty.In December 2020, the US&nbsp;House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam.

Pakistan`s blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan`s human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

The Pakistan government has decided that there would be no compromise on the country`s controversial blasphemy law, days after the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a review of Islamabad eligibility for the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in wake of an "alarming" increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country.

The Pakistan government has decided that there would be no compromise on the country`s controversial blasphemy law, days after the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a review of Islamabad eligibility for the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in wake of an "alarming" increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday chaired a meeting to review the EU Parliament`s Thursday resolution that claimed that there has been an alarming increase in accusations of blasphemy online and offline in Pakistan over the past year, The Express Tribune reported. The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases. Pakistan has expressed disappointment over the adoption of the resolution by the EU. According to sources, the meeting on Monday decided not to compromise on the blasphemy law as well as the law declaring Ahmadi community non-Muslim. The meeting was told that Pakistan`s agreement with the EU did not include any condition with regard to religion.Pakistan had made a total of eight agreements with the EU on various human rights issues including human freedom, enforced disappearances, women rights and minority rights.The meeting was told that the country would suffer an annual loss of $3billion if the EU revokes its GSP+ status. In January 2014, the EU granted Pakistan status under its flagship trading scheme, the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).The GSP+ provides enhanced and preferential free trade between the EU and a small list of countries that are meant to be among those developing countries with the best human rights records. According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty.In December 2020, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam. Pakistan`s blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan`s human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases.

The Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose lower body is paralysed for the past many years, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy by sending a blasphemous SMS to a Muslim person in 2013 in district Toba Tek Singh.

"Pakistan's blasphemy laws carry very harsh sentences, including the death penalty, which the European Union strongly opposes, under any circumstances," said Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

"They are often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities, with severe negative effects on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk," he added.

The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the GSP+, granted to Pakistan requires to demonstrate progress on the implementation of the 27 international core conventions. And it constitutes strong leverage for the European Union in terms of monitoring any direct advocacy with Pakistan.

"The tragic cases of individuals on death row because of blasphemy accusations also point to the structural weaknesses of the Pakistani judicial system and the unequal access to justice," the commissioner said.

He said that the European Union is strongly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights.

"We are providing support to Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to legal representation... The European Union will continue our regular dialogue on human rights with the government of Pakistan and that the particular issues of blasphemy laws and the death penalty remain important points on our agenda," the commissoner said further.

Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organisation working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous"&nbsp;text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma.

According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty.

In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam.

Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life.

Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.&nbsp;

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk. The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases. The Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose lower body is paralysed for the past many years, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy by sending a blasphemous SMS to a Muslim person in 2013 in district Toba Tek Singh. "Pakistan's blasphemy laws carry very harsh sentences, including the death penalty, which the European Union strongly opposes, under any circumstances," said Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. "They are often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities, with severe negative effects on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk," he added. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the GSP+, granted to Pakistan requires to demonstrate progress on the implementation of the 27 international core conventions. And it constitutes strong leverage for the European Union in terms of monitoring any direct advocacy with Pakistan. "The tragic cases of individuals on death row because of blasphemy accusations also point to the structural weaknesses of the Pakistani judicial system and the unequal access to justice," the commissioner said. He said that the European Union is strongly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights. "We are providing support to Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to legal representation... The European Union will continue our regular dialogue on human rights with the government of Pakistan and that the particular issues of blasphemy laws and the death penalty remain important points on our agenda," the commissoner said further. Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organisation working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous" text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma. According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty. In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam. Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life. These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life. Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.

EU expresses concern over rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in deeply conservative Pakistan where mere allegations have led to extrajudicial killings and mob violence.

In February 2021, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), an NGO based out of Lahore, Pakistan, released data that showed the abuse of blasphemy laws had increased exponentially in Pakistan, reported Pentapostagma.

Human rights campaigners have long sought the repeal of blasphemy laws, arguing they are used to victimize religious minorities or settle personal scores.

Watch |

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From 1987 to December 2020, at least 1,855 persons have been alleged under the offences related to religion, mostly under Sections 295B, C to 298C, of the Pakistan Penal Code known as Blasphemy laws, said the advocacy group CSJ in its press release.

Christians, one of the largest religious minority groups in Pakistan with a population of around 2.8 million have faced the major burnt of blasphemy laws, reported Pentapostagma.

Pakistan was ranked as the world`s fifth-worst persecutor of Christians by Open Doors USA, a California-based non-profit organization, in its 2021 World Watch List.

In 1997, the twin villages of Shantinagar-Tibba colony under Multan Division, were looted and burnt by 20,000 Muslim citizens and 500 policemen acting together after an incident of desecration of the Quran was reported.

The police had first evacuated the Christian population of 15,000, and then helped the raiders use explosives to blow up their houses and property, reported Pentapostagma.

Several incidents of arson and loot of Christian properties have been reported ever since. In 2005, a mob of 3,000 led by a local politician and the police burnt down three churches, a missionary run-school, two hostels and several houses belonging to Christians in Sangla Hill in Nankana district in Punjab.

The false allegations of blasphemy are often rooted into personal grudges, conflicts in workplaces and in communities.

Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organization working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous" text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma.

According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face death penalty.

In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam.

Pakistan`s blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan`s human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life.

Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in deeply conservative Pakistan where mere allegations have led to extrajudicial killings and mob violence. In February 2021, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), an NGO based out of Lahore, Pakistan, released data that showed the abuse of blasphemy laws had increased exponentially in Pakistan, reported Pentapostagma.

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in deeply conservative Pakistan where mere allegations have led to extrajudicial killings and mob violence. In February 2021, Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), an NGO based out of Lahore, Pakistan, released data that showed the abuse of blasphemy laws had increased exponentially in Pakistan, reported Pentapostagma. Human rights campaigners have long sought the repeal of blasphemy laws, arguing they are used to victimize religious minorities or settle personal scores. Watch | From 1987 to December 2020, at least 1,855 persons have been alleged under the offences related to religion, mostly under Sections 295B, C to 298C, of the Pakistan Penal Code known as Blasphemy laws, said the advocacy group CSJ in its press release. Christians, one of the largest religious minority groups in Pakistan with a population of around 2.8 million have faced the major burnt of blasphemy laws, reported Pentapostagma. Pakistan was ranked as the world`s fifth-worst persecutor of Christians by Open Doors USA, a California-based non-profit organization, in its 2021 World Watch List. In 1997, the twin villages of Shantinagar-Tibba colony under Multan Division, were looted and burnt by 20,000 Muslim citizens and 500 policemen acting together after an incident of desecration of the Quran was reported. The police had first evacuated the Christian population of 15,000, and then helped the raiders use explosives to blow up their houses and property, reported Pentapostagma. Several incidents of arson and loot of Christian properties have been reported ever since. In 2005, a mob of 3,000 led by a local politician and the police burnt down three churches, a missionary run-school, two hostels and several houses belonging to Christians in Sangla Hill in Nankana district in Punjab. The false allegations of blasphemy are often rooted into personal grudges, conflicts in workplaces and in communities. Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organization working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous" text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma. According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face death penalty. In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam. Pakistan`s blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan`s human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life. These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life. Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.

Pakistan's obsession with blasphemy laws leads to extrajudicial killings, mob violence

The controversial blasphemy law in Pakistan, which have long been used to subjugate the minorities in the countries, is now being employed to silence women fighting for their rights.

Recently, two Pakistani courts have asked authorities to register cases against organisers of last month's Pakistan's Women's March for violating blasphemy law, which carries a potential death sentence for anyone who insults Islam.

The Aurat March is an annually-held demonstration, organised in various cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar to observe International Women's Day.

A petition seeking to ban the annual gathering has also been lodged with the Islamabad High Court.

The petitioner accused that blasphemous slogans were used during the Women's March. However, the organisers have clarified that the participants of the march did not raise such slogans and their video was doctored to defame their struggle.

"Pakistan is not a democratic state but a religious state where clerics wield a lot of influence," Mehdi Hassan, a former chairperson of Pakistan's Human Rights Commission, told DW.

"Hurling allegations of blasphemy amounts to jeopardizing the lives of people here. We fear that the lives of women activists are in danger because there are so many extremists out there in the streets who could target them at any time. At least seven people have been killed just because of blasphemy allegations. Therefore, it is important that the government provides them [the activists] with protection," she said.

Lahore-based activist Shazia Khan said friends and relatives have pressured them to maintain a low profile following the accusations and legal cases.

"Hatemongers and misogynistic media personalities have been spewing venom against us, jeopardizing the lives of women in a country where people are killed merely due to false accusations of blasphemy," said Khan.

Khan believes it is difficult to say who is behind these threats and litigation.

"All the videos and posters have been fabricated or doctored. There is no truth to these accusations," prominent activist Farzana Bari told DW.

Organizers of the march have also written an open letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan to draw his attention to the threats.

This year, even the terrorist group Tehreek Taliban Pakistan publicly threatened the organizers on Twitter, much to the alarm of women's rights activists.

The tweet said, "Fix your ways. There are still many young Muslims here who know how to protect Islam and the boundaries set by Allah."

The controversial blasphemy law in Pakistan, which have long been used to subjugate the minorities in the countries, is now being employed to silence women fighting for their rights.

The controversial blasphemy law in Pakistan, which have long been used to subjugate the minorities in the countries, is now being employed to silence women fighting for their rights. Recently, two Pakistani courts have asked authorities to register cases against organisers of last month's Pakistan's Women's March for violating blasphemy law, which carries a potential death sentence for anyone who insults Islam. The Aurat March is an annually-held demonstration, organised in various cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar to observe International Women's Day. A petition seeking to ban the annual gathering has also been lodged with the Islamabad High Court. The petitioner accused that blasphemous slogans were used during the Women's March. However, the organisers have clarified that the participants of the march did not raise such slogans and their video was doctored to defame their struggle. "Pakistan is not a democratic state but a religious state where clerics wield a lot of influence," Mehdi Hassan, a former chairperson of Pakistan's Human Rights Commission, told DW. "Hurling allegations of blasphemy amounts to jeopardizing the lives of people here. We fear that the lives of women activists are in danger because there are so many extremists out there in the streets who could target them at any time. At least seven people have been killed just because of blasphemy allegations. Therefore, it is important that the government provides them [the activists] with protection," she said. Lahore-based activist Shazia Khan said friends and relatives have pressured them to maintain a low profile following the accusations and legal cases. "Hatemongers and misogynistic media personalities have been spewing venom against us, jeopardizing the lives of women in a country where people are killed merely due to false accusations of blasphemy," said Khan. Khan believes it is difficult to say who is behind these threats and litigation. "All the videos and posters have been fabricated or doctored. There is no truth to these accusations," prominent activist Farzana Bari told DW. Organizers of the march have also written an open letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan to draw his attention to the threats. This year, even the terrorist group Tehreek Taliban Pakistan publicly threatened the organizers on Twitter, much to the alarm of women's rights activists. The tweet said, "Fix your ways. There are still many young Muslims here who know how to protect Islam and the boundaries set by Allah."

Pakistan: Women activists facing blasphemy allegations after 'Aurat March'

An Iranian Instagram star&nbsp;Sahar Tabar has been arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for posting distorted images online.

Tabar,&nbsp;whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, is a 19-year-old Iranian woman who was popular on the social media platform Instagram and at one point had nearly&nbsp;486,000 followers. However, her good days suddenly turned into a nightmare when she was arrested for her social media activities.

She gained followers by posting several pictures and videos. In some of these pictures, Tabar can be seen with filters on her face which gave her a gaunt look similar to a zombie. As per authorities, through these images, she had disrespected the&nbsp;Islamic Republic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-opposition-figure-ruhollah-zam-349254">Iran executes opposition figure Ruhollah Zam</a>

It was also alleged that these images of Tabar were corrupting young children's brains. She has been charged with&nbsp;blasphemy, gaining wealth from&nbsp;inappropriate means, inciting violence and encouraging youngsters for corruption. She claimed to have been, now, cleared of two out of four charges. However, she has refused to point out the details as she is now hoping for a complete pardon.

She was arrested a year ago and had also requested a release from detention claiming she had been infected by the deadly coronavirus. Tabar has also been presented as a "victim with an abnormal personality and mental state" by the local media. This portrayal of her personality has been backed by her medical records which point towards a condition of medical instability and add several visits to&nbsp;psychiatric hospitals as a proof of the same.

Tabar had also made tries to reach out to the Hollywood actress Angelina&nbsp;Jolie, requesting her tp stand up for another woman in need of support. "The Islamic Republic has a history of tormenting women. We need to be united against this gender apartheid," she had said.

Her lawyers are now hoping for a complete pardon on the basis of her medical condition and her age at the time of the alleged crime.

An Iranian Instagram star Sahar Tabar has been arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for posting distorted images online. Tabar, whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, is a 19-year-old Iranian woman who was popular on the social media platform Instagram and at one point had nearly 486,000 followers.

An Iranian Instagram star Sahar Tabar has been arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for posting distorted images online. Tabar, whose real name is Fatemeh Khishvand, is a 19-year-old Iranian woman who was popular on the social media platform Instagram and at one point had nearly 486,000 followers. However, her good days suddenly turned into a nightmare when she was arrested for her social media activities. She gained followers by posting several pictures and videos. In some of these pictures, Tabar can be seen with filters on her face which gave her a gaunt look similar to a zombie. As per authorities, through these images, she had disrespected the Islamic Republic. Also read| Iran executes opposition figure Ruhollah Zam It was also alleged that these images of Tabar were corrupting young children's brains. She has been charged with blasphemy, gaining wealth from inappropriate means, inciting violence and encouraging youngsters for corruption. She claimed to have been, now, cleared of two out of four charges. However, she has refused to point out the details as she is now hoping for a complete pardon. She was arrested a year ago and had also requested a release from detention claiming she had been infected by the deadly coronavirus. Tabar has also been presented as a "victim with an abnormal personality and mental state" by the local media. This portrayal of her personality has been backed by her medical records which point towards a condition of medical instability and add several visits to psychiatric hospitals as a proof of the same. Tabar had also made tries to reach out to the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, requesting her tp stand up for another woman in need of support. "The Islamic Republic has a history of tormenting women. We need to be united against this gender apartheid," she had said. Her lawyers are now hoping for a complete pardon on the basis of her medical condition and her age at the time of the alleged crime.

Iranian woman arrested for posting 'Zombie-like' images; charged for blasphemy

Police in Pakistan have arrested two members of a Jirga, a council of elderly people, for sentencing a woman in Punjab province to death by stoning for allegedly eloping with a man and bearing his child out of wedlock.

According to the FIR, the council of elderly people comprising six persons held a meeting sometime back and sentenced the woman, a mother of nine, to death under the old custom of 'karo kari' in Muzaffargarh, some 400kms from Lahore.

Under this custom, a woman is stoned to death in the name of family honour. Police arrested two of the members and are on a look out for the remaining.

Police official Mehar Riaz Hussain said that the woman had eloped with Noor Shah, a man of her locality, and bore a child out of wedlock.

He said Shah was captured by some elders of the village who brought him back in June last year. The council awarded him a death sentence and he was subsequently killed.

Later, the woman was captured and the council declared that she would be stoned to death after giving birth to the child, the police official said.

The FIR against the Jirga members is registered under sections 310-A, 506-B (punishment for criminal intimidation, if threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon) and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Hussain said the woman has been provided protection.

Honour killing, locally known as 'karo kari' is an act of murder due to the belief that the victim has brought dishonour upon the family. Often women are killed in the name of ?karo kari' which is believed to restore honour and reputation of a family.

Police in Pakistan have arrested two members of a Jirga, a council of elderly people, for sentencing a woman in Punjab province to death by stoning for allegedly eloping with a man and bearing his child out of wedlock.

Police in Pakistan have arrested two members of a Jirga, a council of elderly people, for sentencing a woman in Punjab province to death by stoning for allegedly eloping with a man and bearing his child out of wedlock. According to the FIR, the council of elderly people comprising six persons held a meeting sometime back and sentenced the woman, a mother of nine, to death under the old custom of 'karo kari' in Muzaffargarh, some 400kms from Lahore. Under this custom, a woman is stoned to death in the name of family honour. Police arrested two of the members and are on a look out for the remaining. Police official Mehar Riaz Hussain said that the woman had eloped with Noor Shah, a man of her locality, and bore a child out of wedlock. He said Shah was captured by some elders of the village who brought him back in June last year. The council awarded him a death sentence and he was subsequently killed. Later, the woman was captured and the council declared that she would be stoned to death after giving birth to the child, the police official said. The FIR against the Jirga members is registered under sections 310-A, 506-B (punishment for criminal intimidation, if threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon) and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Hussain said the woman has been provided protection. Honour killing, locally known as 'karo kari' is an act of murder due to the belief that the victim has brought dishonour upon the family. Often women are killed in the name of ?karo kari' which is believed to restore honour and reputation of a family.

Two Jirga members arrested in Pak for sentencing woman to death by stoning

A security guard in a state-run National Bank in Pakistan's Punjab province shot a senior manager on Wednesday over allegations of 'blasphemy'. Malik Imran Hanif, manager of the mulitinational commercial bank's Quaidabad tehsil was shot by Ahmed Nawazn, the security guard and a retired Army person. However, family of the bank manager said that it was a 'cold blooded murder' that was carried out out of personal grudge. The manager was shifted to a hospital in Lahore but he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

A senior police officer Tariq Wilayat was mentioned by PTI as saying Nawaz made the allegation of blasphemy against the bank manager. The security guard's claim has yet not been verified.

"Police are probing the matter from all the aspects including the statement of the deceased's family that Nawaz killed him to settle a personal grudge against him,"&nbsp;the officer said.

Hanif's family said that Nawaz was fired a few months ago but he was subsequently reinstated. He nursed a grudge against Hanif over his sacking and both had a heated argument recently.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rules-out-complete-lockdown-despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-340744">Pakistan rules out complete lockdown despite surge in COVID-19 cases</a>

Muhammad Razzak, another guard of the bank, told the police that after completing his nightshift, he was changing his uniform when he heard the gunshots.

I rushed towards the bank office where I found Hanif in a pool of blood and Nawaz fleeing,? he said. 
In a video posted on the social media, Nawaz can be heard saying he killed the bank manager because he had committed blasphemy.

Nawaz was seen being greeted by a crowd of supporters who also raised religious slogans and roamed in the city streets. Later, he surrendered himself before the police.

Leaders of some religious groups addressed the mob from the rooftop of the police station where he surrendered himself. Police officials were seen standing helplessly. No case was registered immediately.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan, with even unproven allegations often prompting mob violence. Anyone convicted or even just accused of insulting Islam risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes.

Pakistan has extremely strict laws against defaming Islam, including the death penalty, and rights campaigners say they are often used to settle personal disputes in the Muslim-majority country.

In July, an American-Pakistani, who was facing blasphemy allegations, was shot dead in a courtroom by a teenager in Peshawar.

(With PTI inputs)

A security guard in a state-run National Bank in Pakistan's Punjab province shot a senior manager on Wednesday over allegations of 'blasphemy'. Malik Imran Hanif, manager of the mulitinational commercial bank's Quaidabad tehsil was shot by Ahmed Nawazn, the security guard and a retired Army person.

A security guard in a state-run National Bank in Pakistan's Punjab province shot a senior manager on Wednesday over allegations of 'blasphemy'. Malik Imran Hanif, manager of the mulitinational commercial bank's Quaidabad tehsil was shot by Ahmed Nawazn, the security guard and a retired Army person. However, family of the bank manager said that it was a 'cold blooded murder' that was carried out out of personal grudge. The manager was shifted to a hospital in Lahore but he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. A senior police officer Tariq Wilayat was mentioned by PTI as saying Nawaz made the allegation of blasphemy against the bank manager. The security guard's claim has yet not been verified. "Police are probing the matter from all the aspects including the statement of the deceased's family that Nawaz killed him to settle a personal grudge against him," the officer said. Hanif's family said that Nawaz was fired a few months ago but he was subsequently reinstated. He nursed a grudge against Hanif over his sacking and both had a heated argument recently. Also Read | Pakistan rules out complete lockdown despite surge in COVID-19 cases Muhammad Razzak, another guard of the bank, told the police that after completing his nightshift, he was changing his uniform when he heard the gunshots. I rushed towards the bank office where I found Hanif in a pool of blood and Nawaz fleeing,? he said. In a video posted on the social media, Nawaz can be heard saying he killed the bank manager because he had committed blasphemy. Nawaz was seen being greeted by a crowd of supporters who also raised religious slogans and roamed in the city streets. Later, he surrendered himself before the police. Leaders of some religious groups addressed the mob from the rooftop of the police station where he surrendered himself. Police officials were seen standing helplessly. No case was registered immediately. Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan, with even unproven allegations often prompting mob violence. Anyone convicted or even just accused of insulting Islam risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes. Pakistan has extremely strict laws against defaming Islam, including the death penalty, and rights campaigners say they are often used to settle personal disputes in the Muslim-majority country. In July, an American-Pakistani, who was facing blasphemy allegations, was shot dead in a courtroom by a teenager in Peshawar. (With PTI inputs)

Pakistan National Bank manager shot dead by security guard over 'blasphemy'

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) hailed the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict of acquitting Sawan Masih, a Christian man on death row from the last eight years.

Sawan Masih belonged to Joseph Colony Lahore and was a sanitary worker and a father of three children, having a wife and old parents. He was convicted of insulting the prophet Muhammad.

A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on March 8, 2013, in which the applicant stated that Sawan used derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. He was then arrested and sent to judicial lock-up first in Lahore and then to Faisalabad.

The attached steel market of Badami Bagh`s workers in collusion with extremists in the mob attacked Joseph Colony for revenge from Christians and demanded to hand over Sawan Masih for execution at the spot. The residents had no option but to vacate the colony leaving behind their hard-earned valuables.Most of the families fled, around 200 houses burnt and looted including Sawan`s house. Sawan Masih was convicted on March 27, 2014, in the court of Ch. Ghulam Murtaza, Additional Sessions Judge Lahore for offence u/s 295-C PPC and sentenced to death along with a fine was imposed.

Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said that the charges of blasphemy are in fact the results of personal grudges, biased behaviours and discriminatory practices, the verdict on the Sawan Masih case has proved again after Asia bibi`s case.

He added, "The blasphemy cases processed slower because in such cases the free and fair trials also become a challenge, the basic principles of criminal justice is ignored as in Sawan`s case, the trial court completely ignored a serious lapse in the prosecution case of 33 hours of unexplained inordinate delay of recording the FIR over such a sensitive issue by the complainant, the trial court based on the conviction on second version of the complainant recorded in the supplementary statement of March 15, 2013, after eight days of occurrence in a poor attempt to remove the lacuna earlier pointed out by the Supreme Court on 13th March 2013 in Suo Moto proceedings, the trial court failed to take judicial notice of the false story in which the complainant stated that suddenly the accused started uttering derogatory remarks, the statement of the accused under section 342 CrPC was completely ignored by the trial court in which he stated that he have deep respect for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his own beliefs do not allow him to commit blasphemy of any prophet".

Naveed Walter said that the victims of blasphemy face exacerbated trauma amid delays in their cases reaching trial and justice, bear spitting and abusive arguing like infidels and inhuman insulting behaviours, violent attitudes, sufferings and face extreme hardships. He said the victims of blasphemy need proper diets, health and ensure their safety in prisons and during court hearings, he added.

The HRFP has been raising voice for justice to blasphemy victims and against all discriminatory practices against minorities in Pakistan.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) hailed the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict of acquitting Sawan Masih, a Christian man on death row from the last eight years. Sawan Masih belonged to Joseph Colony Lahore and was a sanitary worker and a father of three children, having a wife and old parents.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) hailed the Lahore High Court (LHC) verdict of acquitting Sawan Masih, a Christian man on death row from the last eight years. Sawan Masih belonged to Joseph Colony Lahore and was a sanitary worker and a father of three children, having a wife and old parents. He was convicted of insulting the prophet Muhammad. A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on March 8, 2013, in which the applicant stated that Sawan used derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad. He was then arrested and sent to judicial lock-up first in Lahore and then to Faisalabad. The attached steel market of Badami Bagh`s workers in collusion with extremists in the mob attacked Joseph Colony for revenge from Christians and demanded to hand over Sawan Masih for execution at the spot. The residents had no option but to vacate the colony leaving behind their hard-earned valuables.Most of the families fled, around 200 houses burnt and looted including Sawan`s house. Sawan Masih was convicted on March 27, 2014, in the court of Ch. Ghulam Murtaza, Additional Sessions Judge Lahore for offence u/s 295-C PPC and sentenced to death along with a fine was imposed. Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said that the charges of blasphemy are in fact the results of personal grudges, biased behaviours and discriminatory practices, the verdict on the Sawan Masih case has proved again after Asia bibi`s case. He added, "The blasphemy cases processed slower because in such cases the free and fair trials also become a challenge, the basic principles of criminal justice is ignored as in Sawan`s case, the trial court completely ignored a serious lapse in the prosecution case of 33 hours of unexplained inordinate delay of recording the FIR over such a sensitive issue by the complainant, the trial court based on the conviction on second version of the complainant recorded in the supplementary statement of March 15, 2013, after eight days of occurrence in a poor attempt to remove the lacuna earlier pointed out by the Supreme Court on 13th March 2013 in Suo Moto proceedings, the trial court failed to take judicial notice of the false story in which the complainant stated that suddenly the accused started uttering derogatory remarks, the statement of the accused under section 342 CrPC was completely ignored by the trial court in which he stated that he have deep respect for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his own beliefs do not allow him to commit blasphemy of any prophet". Naveed Walter said that the victims of blasphemy face exacerbated trauma amid delays in their cases reaching trial and justice, bear spitting and abusive arguing like infidels and inhuman insulting behaviours, violent attitudes, sufferings and face extreme hardships. He said the victims of blasphemy need proper diets, health and ensure their safety in prisons and during court hearings, he added. The HRFP has been raising voice for justice to blasphemy victims and against all discriminatory practices against minorities in Pakistan.

Human rights group hails acquittal of Pakistani Christian on death row for blasphemy

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim:&nbsp;

1.&nbsp; A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case. Abdul Majeed Khan Achakzai is a member of the Milli Awam Party. He has also been an influential member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. In 2017, CCTV footage of this lawmaker running over a traffic police warden emerged

This happened in Quetta, and the warden died on the spot. The police registered a case of manslaughter against the lawmaker. He later confessed to his crime on live television.

Three years on, and Majeed Achakzai has been given a clean chit. The court says there's not enough evidence but the victim's family is planning to challenge this verdict.

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2. A Pakistani journalist was recently shot dead in Turbat, a city in Balochistan. The journalist's name was Shaheena Shaheen, and she was 25. She had just started her career at Pakistan's state-owned broadcaster, PTV.

Shaheen was killed outside her residence by unidentified suspects. The local police says that her killing was the result of troubled marriage.

Shaheen is said to have been a victim of domestic violence, and police are on the hunt for her husband, who was allegedly present at the crime scene.

3. Sajid Gondal, a top official at Pakistan's Security Exchange Commission in Islamabad is still missing. His disappearance is being linked to a recent corruption scam involving a military general.

Imran Khan's key aide, Asim Saleem Bajwa is being accused of shady financial dealings. Sajid went missing just days after the details came out. His family claims no government officials have approached them regarding the case.

Sajid Gondal has four kids, and his wife says she is done lying to her kids about their father's whereabouts.

4. A Christian man has been sentenced to death by the Lahore High Court for sending 'blasphemous text messages' to somebody in 2013. Blasphemy is increasingly becoming a pretext for crimes against minorities in Pakistan.

5. An FIR as been registered against a 3-year-old in Pakistan's Punjab province, whose father is a Shia Muslim.

He has charged with acting as a patron to his father during a religious gathering. Since the beginning of the month of Muharram, there has been an increase in hate campaigns against the Shias in Pakistan.

A number of Shia families are being targeted for their practices during this month. Now, a child has been charged with disrupting public order, while terrorists in Pakistan enjoy state protection and roam freely.

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim: 1. A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case.

Pakistan is turning out to be an experiment gone wrong. We bring to you five stories that serve as testimony to this claim: 1. A former Pakistani lawmaker has been acquitted in a hit-and-run case. Abdul Majeed Khan Achakzai is a member of the Milli Awam Party. He has also been an influential member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. In 2017, CCTV footage of this lawmaker running over a traffic police warden emerged This happened in Quetta, and the warden died on the spot. The police registered a case of manslaughter against the lawmaker. He later confessed to his crime on live television. Three years on, and Majeed Achakzai has been given a clean chit. The court says there's not enough evidence but the victim's family is planning to challenge this verdict. × 2. A Pakistani journalist was recently shot dead in Turbat, a city in Balochistan. The journalist's name was Shaheena Shaheen, and she was 25. She had just started her career at Pakistan's state-owned broadcaster, PTV. Shaheen was killed outside her residence by unidentified suspects. The local police says that her killing was the result of troubled marriage. Shaheen is said to have been a victim of domestic violence, and police are on the hunt for her husband, who was allegedly present at the crime scene. 3. Sajid Gondal, a top official at Pakistan's Security Exchange Commission in Islamabad is still missing. His disappearance is being linked to a recent corruption scam involving a military general. Imran Khan's key aide, Asim Saleem Bajwa is being accused of shady financial dealings. Sajid went missing just days after the details came out. His family claims no government officials have approached them regarding the case. Sajid Gondal has four kids, and his wife says she is done lying to her kids about their father's whereabouts. 4. A Christian man has been sentenced to death by the Lahore High Court for sending 'blasphemous text messages' to somebody in 2013. Blasphemy is increasingly becoming a pretext for crimes against minorities in Pakistan. 5. An FIR as been registered against a 3-year-old in Pakistan's Punjab province, whose father is a Shia Muslim. He has charged with acting as a patron to his father during a religious gathering. Since the beginning of the month of Muharram, there has been an increase in hate campaigns against the Shias in Pakistan. A number of Shia families are being targeted for their practices during this month. Now, a child has been charged with disrupting public order, while terrorists in Pakistan enjoy state protection and roam freely.

Five stories from South Asia's failed experiment, Pakistan

The claim to adulation of a 15-year-old Pakistani seems to be allegedly gunning down in open court an American accused of blasphemy, a capital crime in this Islamic republic.

Thousands hail Faisal Khan in the streets as a "holy warrior."

Lawyers have been lining up to defend Khan, while the attorney for Tahir Naseem, the US citizen, has gone into hiding.

Naseem was born in a village outside Peshawar but had long lived in the United States, according to clerics and locals who knew him.

He set up a website proclaiming himself a messiah, with a link for people to pledge allegiance to him. On LinkedIn, he described himself as "Jesus's second coming, reviver, Prophet."

Naseem was charged with denigrating the Koran and the Prophet Muhammad. Two years later, awaiting his bail hearing surrounded by police and lawyers, he was gunned down.

The teen, who eventually killed in full public view, got through three security checkpoints on his way into a courtroom in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar on July 29, pulled out a pistol and fired multiple shots into Naseem, 57, at a bail hearing.

Naseem died on the spot, onlookers spattered with his blood.

His killing grabbed global headlines, put a fresh spotlight on Pakistan`s blasphemy laws and drew criticism from abroad, even as many in the country praised the shooter. The United States and human rights groups decried the killing and urged changes to Pakistan's blasphemy statutes, among the harshest in the world.

Khan was later presented at the court. But thousands rallied, calling for his release.&nbsp;

Delegations of well-wishers - lawyers, clerics, local politicians - have visited the Khan family home in Peshawar to congratulate the family. He has received messages of support from the Pakistani Taliban.

Meanwhile, the US State Department, in an unusually blunt statement, said Naseem "had been lured to Pakistan from his home in Illinois by individuals who then used Pakistan’s blasphemy laws to entrap him." It called on Pakistan to reform its blasphemy laws and prosecuting Naseem`s killing.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said a special team was investigating the case and it would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The claim to adulation of a 15-year-old Pakistani seems to be allegedly gunning down in open court an American accused of blasphemy, a capital crime in this Islamic republic.

The claim to adulation of a 15-year-old Pakistani seems to be allegedly gunning down in open court an American accused of blasphemy, a capital crime in this Islamic republic. Thousands hail Faisal Khan in the streets as a "holy warrior." Lawyers have been lining up to defend Khan, while the attorney for Tahir Naseem, the US citizen, has gone into hiding. Naseem was born in a village outside Peshawar but had long lived in the United States, according to clerics and locals who knew him. He set up a website proclaiming himself a messiah, with a link for people to pledge allegiance to him. On LinkedIn, he described himself as "Jesus's second coming, reviver, Prophet." Naseem was charged with denigrating the Koran and the Prophet Muhammad. Two years later, awaiting his bail hearing surrounded by police and lawyers, he was gunned down. The teen, who eventually killed in full public view, got through three security checkpoints on his way into a courtroom in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar on July 29, pulled out a pistol and fired multiple shots into Naseem, 57, at a bail hearing. Naseem died on the spot, onlookers spattered with his blood. His killing grabbed global headlines, put a fresh spotlight on Pakistan`s blasphemy laws and drew criticism from abroad, even as many in the country praised the shooter. The United States and human rights groups decried the killing and urged changes to Pakistan's blasphemy statutes, among the harshest in the world. Khan was later presented at the court. But thousands rallied, calling for his release. Delegations of well-wishers - lawyers, clerics, local politicians - have visited the Khan family home in Peshawar to congratulate the family. He has received messages of support from the Pakistani Taliban. Meanwhile, the US State Department, in an unusually blunt statement, said Naseem "had been lured to Pakistan from his home in Illinois by individuals who then used Pakistan’s blasphemy laws to entrap him." It called on Pakistan to reform its blasphemy laws and prosecuting Naseem`s killing. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said a special team was investigating the case and it would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Pakistan teen feted for killing US blasphemy suspect

Thousands of people in northwestern Pakistan rallied on Friday in support of the man who allegedly killed a US citizen inside a courtroom in the city of Peshawar. 
&nbsp; 
The demonstrators in Karachi were praising the accused for the killing, demanding his immediate release from jail and saying he did what was expected of the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/welcome-to-pakistan-a-state-where-murder-in-courtroom-is-celebrated-317118">Welcome to Pakistan: A state where murder in courtroom is celebrated</a>

"We are not in favour of taking the law into our own hands, but he did what the government should have done two years ago," said Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, who led the rally, told the news agency the Associated Press.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-citizen-accused-of-blasphemy-shot-dead-in-pakistan-courtroom-316959">US citizen accused of blasphemy shot dead in Pakistan courtroom</a>&nbsp;

Tahir Naseem, a US citizen, was gunned down in a courtroom on Thursday during his trial for blasphemy.&nbsp;

He died before he was taken to hospital and the gunman was arrested.&nbsp;

On Thursday too, several people in the social media and politicians lauded the accused of committing the crime.&nbsp;

The US Statement also reacted strongly against the killing and asked Pakistan to reform "often-abused" blasphemy laws.&nbsp;

"We are shocked, saddened, and outraged that American citizen Tahir Naseem was killed yesterday inside a Pakistani courtroom," the State Department said, in a statement, on Thursday.

The statement also said the victim was "lured to Pakistan" from his home in Illinois and was entrapped by the controversial law.&nbsp;

"We urge Pakistan to immediately reform its often abused blasphemy laws and its court system, which allow such abuses to occur, and to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted to the full extent of the law," the statement said.

Naseem was facing a trial after it was alleged that he declared himself Islam's prophet.&nbsp;

The blasphemy law in Pakistan has been criticised a lot by human rights activists and other nations, which even result in a death sentence.

Also, often, the mere allegation of insulting Islam has led to vigilantes and mobs brutally killing the accused.

Thousands of people in northwestern Pakistan rallied on Friday in support of the man who allegedly killed a US citizen inside a courtroom in the city of Peshawar.

Thousands of people in northwestern Pakistan rallied on Friday in support of the man who allegedly killed a US citizen inside a courtroom in the city of Peshawar. The demonstrators in Karachi were praising the accused for the killing, demanding his immediate release from jail and saying he did what was expected of the government. Also read | Welcome to Pakistan: A state where murder in courtroom is celebrated "We are not in favour of taking the law into our own hands, but he did what the government should have done two years ago," said Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, who led the rally, told the news agency the Associated Press. Also read | US citizen accused of blasphemy shot dead in Pakistan courtroom Tahir Naseem, a US citizen, was gunned down in a courtroom on Thursday during his trial for blasphemy. He died before he was taken to hospital and the gunman was arrested. On Thursday too, several people in the social media and politicians lauded the accused of committing the crime. The US Statement also reacted strongly against the killing and asked Pakistan to reform "often-abused" blasphemy laws. "We are shocked, saddened, and outraged that American citizen Tahir Naseem was killed yesterday inside a Pakistani courtroom," the State Department said, in a statement, on Thursday. The statement also said the victim was "lured to Pakistan" from his home in Illinois and was entrapped by the controversial law. "We urge Pakistan to immediately reform its often abused blasphemy laws and its court system, which allow such abuses to occur, and to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted to the full extent of the law," the statement said. Naseem was facing a trial after it was alleged that he declared himself Islam's prophet. The blasphemy law in Pakistan has been criticised a lot by human rights activists and other nations, which even result in a death sentence. Also, often, the mere allegation of insulting Islam has led to vigilantes and mobs brutally killing the accused.

Pakistan: Thousands rally for accused in US citizen murder case

The US has urged Islamabad to immediately reform its "often-abused" blasphemy laws and bring the culprit to justice in the wake of the killing of American citizen Tahir Naseem inside a courtroom in Pakistan.

Naseem, 57, accused of blasphemy, was shot multiple times at close range inside Peshawar's Judicial Complex on Wednesday as he awaited to be shifted to prison. He died on the spot.

The attacker was arrested on the spot and the pistol used in the killing was seized.

The US government has been providing consular assistance to Naseem and his family since his detention in 2018 and has called the attention of senior Pakistani officials to his case.

"We grieve with the family of Mr Naseem. We urge Pakistan to immediately reform its often-abused blasphemy laws and its court system, which allow such abuses to occur, and to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted to the full extent of the law," Cale Brown, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, said on Thursday.

Naseem was first arrested in April 2018 after a local accused him of blasphemy. According to the FIR, the prisoner was charged in February 2019 under sections 153 A, 295 B, and 295 C. The sections pertaining to the country's blasphemy law.

The deceased had denied the charges and decided to stand trial.

"Pakistan's blasphemy laws are indefensible, to begin with, but it is outrageous beyond belief that the Pakistani government was incapable of keeping an individual from being murdered within a court of law for his faith, and a US citizen, nonetheless," said United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Johnnie Moore in a statement.

Pakistan must protect religious minorities, including individuals accused of blasphemy, in order to prevent such "unimaginable tragedies". The authorities must take immediate action to bring Nassem's killer to justice, he said. 
As USCIRF has noted countless times, Pakistan's blasphemy law inflames inter-religious tensions and too often leads to violence, said USCIRF Vice Chair Anurima Bhargava.

"We urge the State Department to enter into a binding agreement with the Pakistani government that includes the repeal of blasphemy provisions in the Pakistan Penal Code," Bhargava said.

The US has urged Islamabad to immediately reform its "often-abused" blasphemy laws and bring the culprit to justice in the wake of the killing of American citizen Tahir Naseem inside a courtroom in Pakistan.

The US has urged Islamabad to immediately reform its "often-abused" blasphemy laws and bring the culprit to justice in the wake of the killing of American citizen Tahir Naseem inside a courtroom in Pakistan. Naseem, 57, accused of blasphemy, was shot multiple times at close range inside Peshawar's Judicial Complex on Wednesday as he awaited to be shifted to prison. He died on the spot. The attacker was arrested on the spot and the pistol used in the killing was seized. The US government has been providing consular assistance to Naseem and his family since his detention in 2018 and has called the attention of senior Pakistani officials to his case. "We grieve with the family of Mr Naseem. We urge Pakistan to immediately reform its often-abused blasphemy laws and its court system, which allow such abuses to occur, and to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted to the full extent of the law," Cale Brown, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, said on Thursday. Naseem was first arrested in April 2018 after a local accused him of blasphemy. According to the FIR, the prisoner was charged in February 2019 under sections 153 A, 295 B, and 295 C. The sections pertaining to the country's blasphemy law. The deceased had denied the charges and decided to stand trial. "Pakistan's blasphemy laws are indefensible, to begin with, but it is outrageous beyond belief that the Pakistani government was incapable of keeping an individual from being murdered within a court of law for his faith, and a US citizen, nonetheless," said United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Johnnie Moore in a statement. Pakistan must protect religious minorities, including individuals accused of blasphemy, in order to prevent such "unimaginable tragedies". The authorities must take immediate action to bring Nassem's killer to justice, he said. As USCIRF has noted countless times, Pakistan's blasphemy law inflames inter-religious tensions and too often leads to violence, said USCIRF Vice Chair Anurima Bhargava. "We urge the State Department to enter into a binding agreement with the Pakistani government that includes the repeal of blasphemy provisions in the Pakistan Penal Code," Bhargava said.

US urges Pak to take action against killer of American citizen shot dead in courtroom

A US citizen accused of blasphemy was shot dead by a Pakistani extremist inside a courtroom. Pakistani leaders are hailing the murderer as a hero & role model. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: This Pakistani man killed a US citizen in a court

Take a look at Pakistan's new youth icon, national hero: Khalid Khan. He is literally being lionised as social media is flooded with the image of Khalid with a lion in the background.&nbsp;

There are virtual rose petals being showered on him and called as 'Aashiq-e-Rasool' (Lover of the Prophet). Even Pakistani leaders are singing praises for this young man.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The reason being Khalid receiving so much love and affection is because he killed a man, inside a Peshawar courtroom, in front of a judge on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-citizen-accused-of-blasphemy-shot-dead-in-pakistan-courtroom-316959">US citizen accused of blasphemy shot dead in Pakistan courtroom</a>

The man who was murdered is Tahir Ahmad Naseem, a US citizen. Tahir was formerly as Ahmadiyya Muslim, the most persecuted community in Pakistan.

He was booked for blasphemy in 2018 for allegedly claiming to be the ''last prophet of Islam".

Reports suggest he was mentally ill and the law under which he was booked could have given him death sentence anyway.&nbsp;

However, none of this matters in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, an act of blasphemy risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes.&nbsp;

Visuals tell us that a man was killed inside a courtroom before his trial ended and Pakistan is celebrating this killing.&nbsp;

These instances speak for themselves what decades of religious polarisation could do.&nbsp;

Many such religious groups in Pakistan have routinely abused blasphemy laws to target the Ahmadiyya community and minorities.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, a Christian man was gunned down in Peshawar because he bought a house in a Muslim neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Another Christian man, a pastor and his wife, who were accused of land grab, were beaten and driven away by their Muslim neighbours in a village in eastern Punjab.&nbsp;

If this looks appalling, then how can one describe Shahbaz Bhatti's killing.

Shahbaz was Pakistan's first federal minister for minorities affairs.

He was the only Christian in the Pakistan cabinet till 2011, who was shot dead by extremists for criticising blasphemy laws.&nbsp;

If a minister faces such violence, forget about the security of a common man.&nbsp;

Let's look at some of the facts.

Since 1987, more than 1,500 people in Pakistan have been accused of blasphemy.&nbsp;

Nearly 50 per cent of these accused belong to the minority communities, despite the fact that minorities make up only three per cent of Pakistan's total population.&nbsp;

A US watchdog on religious freedom estimates that at least 80 individuals remain in Pakistani prisons on blasphemy charges and around half of them face a life sentence or the death penalty.

Many of these cases don't reach their logical conclusion as extremists like Khalid take matters into their own hands and then declared national heroes.&nbsp;

Take a look at Pakistan's new youth icon, national hero: Khalid Khan. He is literally being lionised as social media is flooded with the image of Khalid with a lion in the background.

Take a look at Pakistan's new youth icon, national hero: Khalid Khan. He is literally being lionised as social media is flooded with the image of Khalid with a lion in the background. There are virtual rose petals being showered on him and called as 'Aashiq-e-Rasool' (Lover of the Prophet). Even Pakistani leaders are singing praises for this young man. Watch | The reason being Khalid receiving so much love and affection is because he killed a man, inside a Peshawar courtroom, in front of a judge on Wednesday afternoon. Also read | US citizen accused of blasphemy shot dead in Pakistan courtroom The man who was murdered is Tahir Ahmad Naseem, a US citizen. Tahir was formerly as Ahmadiyya Muslim, the most persecuted community in Pakistan. He was booked for blasphemy in 2018 for allegedly claiming to be the ''last prophet of Islam". Reports suggest he was mentally ill and the law under which he was booked could have given him death sentence anyway. However, none of this matters in Pakistan. In Pakistan, an act of blasphemy risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes. Visuals tell us that a man was killed inside a courtroom before his trial ended and Pakistan is celebrating this killing. These instances speak for themselves what decades of religious polarisation could do. Many such religious groups in Pakistan have routinely abused blasphemy laws to target the Ahmadiyya community and minorities. Earlier this month, a Christian man was gunned down in Peshawar because he bought a house in a Muslim neighbourhood. Another Christian man, a pastor and his wife, who were accused of land grab, were beaten and driven away by their Muslim neighbours in a village in eastern Punjab. If this looks appalling, then how can one describe Shahbaz Bhatti's killing. Shahbaz was Pakistan's first federal minister for minorities affairs. He was the only Christian in the Pakistan cabinet till 2011, who was shot dead by extremists for criticising blasphemy laws. If a minister faces such violence, forget about the security of a common man. Let's look at some of the facts. Since 1987, more than 1,500 people in Pakistan have been accused of blasphemy. Nearly 50 per cent of these accused belong to the minority communities, despite the fact that minorities make up only three per cent of Pakistan's total population. A US watchdog on religious freedom estimates that at least 80 individuals remain in Pakistani prisons on blasphemy charges and around half of them face a life sentence or the death penalty. Many of these cases don't reach their logical conclusion as extremists like Khalid take matters into their own hands and then declared national heroes.

Welcome to Pakistan: A state where murder in courtroom is celebrated

A US citizen, who was on trial for blasphemy, was shot dead in a courtroom in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Wednesday. It was not immediately clear how the assailant, identified as Khalid Khan, managed to get into the court amid tight security.&nbsp;

The attacker was subsequently arrested.

The man on trial, Tahir Shamim Ahmad, had claimed he was Islam's prophet and was arrested two years ago on blasphemy charges. Ahmad died before he could be transported to hospital.

Blasphemy is an extremely controversial issue in Pakistan, where people convicted of the crime can be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty.

The US State Department identified the victim as an American citizen, and urged Pakistan "to take immediate action and pursue reforms that will prevent such a shameful tragedy from happening again."

A US citizen, who was on trial for blasphemy, was shot dead in a courtroom in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Wednesday. It was not immediately clear how the assailant, identified as Khalid Khan, managed to get into the court amid tight security.

A US citizen, who was on trial for blasphemy, was shot dead in a courtroom in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Wednesday. It was not immediately clear how the assailant, identified as Khalid Khan, managed to get into the court amid tight security. The attacker was subsequently arrested. The man on trial, Tahir Shamim Ahmad, had claimed he was Islam's prophet and was arrested two years ago on blasphemy charges. Ahmad died before he could be transported to hospital. Blasphemy is an extremely controversial issue in Pakistan, where people convicted of the crime can be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. The US State Department identified the victim as an American citizen, and urged Pakistan "to take immediate action and pursue reforms that will prevent such a shameful tragedy from happening again."

US citizen accused of blasphemy shot dead in Pakistan courtroom

Blasphemy, a draconian law, has been used over the decades in Pakistan as a clampdown mostly against minorities, where death sentence has also been sentenced in the past.

Asia Bibi, who was acquitted one year ago, battled death sentence for eight years, which became the country's most high-profile case. After Bibi's acquittal, there were mass protests in the country before she moved to Canada.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-university-professor-sentenced-to-death-for-blasphemy-269461">Pakistan: University professor sentenced to death for blasphemy</a>

So let's look at what has changed in the country where hardliners traditionally ruled the roost.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/finally-free-asia-bibi-breaks-silence-on-hellish-time-in-pak-prison-life-in-exile-277580">Finally free! Asia Bibi breaks silence on hellish time in Pak prison, life in exile</a>

"Before Asia Bibi, dozens of maulanas (religious scholars) were coming to my hearings," said the Christian pastor Adnan Prince, who is accused of desecrating the Koran.&nbsp;

"After that, they didn't come anymore."

However, the situation is not completely rosy as a former judge said that lower courts are often threatened in blasphemy cases and if they acquit the accused they themselves face the risk of being labelled blasphemers.

Recently, Junaid Hafeez, a university professor, was sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet Mohammed. The lawyer who first agreed to represent Junaid got murdered. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"Could any judge in such circumstances take the risk of doing justice?" Junaid's family said in a statement. &nbsp;

Condemning the sentence, Pakistan's Human Rights Commission said that blasphemy laws are still "heavily misused" and the judicial process was "ridden by delays and pressures at the level of the lower judiciary."

The blasphemy verdicts in lower courts are generally overturned in the higher courts suggests the flawed rulings in such cases. However, Pakistan's sluggish justice system means the appeal process can stretch for years.&nbsp;

Even after the acquittal, people face the risk of vigilante violence that continues to haunts them. &nbsp;

Blasphemy is seen as a highly inflammatory charge in Pakistan. Even reform suggestions can trigger violence, most notably in Salmaan Taseer's case, the governor of Pakistan's most populous province. Salmaan was dead by his own bodyguard and his supporters still regard him as a martyr and in fact constructed a popular shrine in his memory on the outskirts of Islamabad after he was hanged four years ago.

During his 2018 campaign, Pakistan PM Imran Khan voiced his full support for defending the blasphemy laws for which he faced a lot of criticism.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Blasphemy, a draconian law, has been used over the decades in Pakistan as a clampdown mostly against minorities, where death sentence has also been sentenced in the past.

Blasphemy, a draconian law, has been used over the decades in Pakistan as a clampdown mostly against minorities, where death sentence has also been sentenced in the past. Asia Bibi, who was acquitted one year ago, battled death sentence for eight years, which became the country's most high-profile case. After Bibi's acquittal, there were mass protests in the country before she moved to Canada. Also read: Pakistan: University professor sentenced to death for blasphemy So let's look at what has changed in the country where hardliners traditionally ruled the roost. Also read: Finally free! Asia Bibi breaks silence on hellish time in Pak prison, life in exile "Before Asia Bibi, dozens of maulanas (religious scholars) were coming to my hearings," said the Christian pastor Adnan Prince, who is accused of desecrating the Koran. "After that, they didn't come anymore." However, the situation is not completely rosy as a former judge said that lower courts are often threatened in blasphemy cases and if they acquit the accused they themselves face the risk of being labelled blasphemers. Recently, Junaid Hafeez, a university professor, was sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet Mohammed. The lawyer who first agreed to represent Junaid got murdered. "Could any judge in such circumstances take the risk of doing justice?" Junaid's family said in a statement. Condemning the sentence, Pakistan's Human Rights Commission said that blasphemy laws are still "heavily misused" and the judicial process was "ridden by delays and pressures at the level of the lower judiciary." The blasphemy verdicts in lower courts are generally overturned in the higher courts suggests the flawed rulings in such cases. However, Pakistan's sluggish justice system means the appeal process can stretch for years. Even after the acquittal, people face the risk of vigilante violence that continues to haunts them. Blasphemy is seen as a highly inflammatory charge in Pakistan. Even reform suggestions can trigger violence, most notably in Salmaan Taseer's case, the governor of Pakistan's most populous province. Salmaan was dead by his own bodyguard and his supporters still regard him as a martyr and in fact constructed a popular shrine in his memory on the outskirts of Islamabad after he was hanged four years ago. During his 2018 campaign, Pakistan PM Imran Khan voiced his full support for defending the blasphemy laws for which he faced a lot of criticism. (With AFP inputs)

How blasphemy still remains Pakistan's notorious law a year after Asia Bibi's acquittal

February 14 in History: From Pulwama terror attacks to creation of YouTube

Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who spent 8 years in a Pakistani Jail for blasphemy has now released the latest picture of her life in exile.

Asia Bibi who spent 8 years in Pak jail, breaks silence

A university professor in Pakistan was handed death sentence under the controversial blasphemy law on Saturday.&nbsp;

Junaid Hafeez was a university professor when he was arrested in March 2013 for allegedly posting derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed on Facebook.

A fine of Rs 3557.07 USD was also imposed on the doctor, along with a sentence to life imprisonment. Under another section of the Pakistan Penal Code, Junaid is given another sentence of 10 years and a fine of Rs 711.41 USD.&nbsp;

Junaid's lawyer Asad Jamal described the verdict as "most unfortunate".&nbsp;

"We will appeal against this verdict," Jamal said.&nbsp;

In conservative Muslim-majority Pakistan, blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue and in many cases, the death sentence was also given. Even unproven claims have also caused mob lynchings and vigilante murders.&nbsp;

The 33-year-old professor's earlier lawyer was killed in 2014 after receiving death threats during a hearing.&nbsp;

Nearly 40 people convicted under this law are on death row in Pakistan, as per a 2018 estimate by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Last year, the acquittal of Asia Bibi, who was facing death row under the Blasphemy law has led to a lot of violent protests in Pakistan. Bibi, a Christian woman who had spent eight years in jail, now lives in Canada with her family.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

A university professor in Pakistan was handed death sentence under the controversial blasphemy law on Saturday. Junaid Hafeez was a university professor when he was arrested in March 2013 for allegedly posting derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed on Facebook.

A university professor in Pakistan was handed death sentence under the controversial blasphemy law on Saturday. Junaid Hafeez was a university professor when he was arrested in March 2013 for allegedly posting derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed on Facebook. A fine of Rs 3557.07 USD was also imposed on the doctor, along with a sentence to life imprisonment. Under another section of the Pakistan Penal Code, Junaid is given another sentence of 10 years and a fine of Rs 711.41 USD. Junaid's lawyer Asad Jamal described the verdict as "most unfortunate". "We will appeal against this verdict," Jamal said. In conservative Muslim-majority Pakistan, blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue and in many cases, the death sentence was also given. Even unproven claims have also caused mob lynchings and vigilante murders. The 33-year-old professor's earlier lawyer was killed in 2014 after receiving death threats during a hearing. Nearly 40 people convicted under this law are on death row in Pakistan, as per a 2018 estimate by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. Last year, the acquittal of Asia Bibi, who was facing death row under the Blasphemy law has led to a lot of violent protests in Pakistan. Bibi, a Christian woman who had spent eight years in jail, now lives in Canada with her family. (with inputs from AFP)

Pakistan: University professor sentenced to death for blasphemy

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lawyers-ransack-hospital-in-row-with-doctors-patient-dies-267732">Pakistani</a> court will hear final arguments on Thursday in the blasphemy trial of a liberal scholar and former university lecturer a week after a U.S. religious freedom commission placed his name on its list of global victims, his lawyer said.

Junaid Hafeez, who quit his studies at Pakistan's top medical college to pursue a passion for art and literature, secured a Fulbright scholarship and attended Jackson State University in 2009 where he majored in American literature, photography and theatre with distinction.

He has been in solitary confinement in Pakistan for fear of being attacked by fellow inmates in jail since his arrest in 2013 on blasphemy charges linked to online posts.

Insulting Islam's Prophet Mohammad carries a mandatory death penalty in Pakistan, which is about 95 per cent Muslim and has some of the harshest blasphemy laws in the world.

The US&nbsp;Commission on International Religious Freedom said Hafeez and his family had been facing murder threats.

In 2013, students at a university in central Pakistan where Hafeez taught English literature accused him of blasphemous Facebook posts.

His lawyers say he was framed by students from an extremist Islamist party for his liberal and secular views.

"Hafeez has experienced extreme trauma to his mental and physical health," the commission wrote under his biodata on the global religious freedom list updated this week.

"It is a kind of a recognition that people are being persecuted in Pakistan for their belief and freedom of expression," his lawyer, Asad Jamal, told Reuters.

He said a judge would hear final arguments both from prosecution and defence on Thursday.

Since the trial began, several judges have backed out of hearing the case due to death threats.

"The lengthy trial is now on its eighth judge and the prosecution has repeatedly failed to produce evidence of the alleged blasphemy," the commission said, adding that one defence lawyer had been murdered.

No executions for blasphemy have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-indicts-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-financing-case-267629">carried out in Pakistan</a> but merely an allegation at times is enough for a mob to lynch someone accused of blasphemy.

The Centre for Social Justice, a rights group, says at least 1,549 people have faced blasphemy charges since 1987 and 75 of them were murdered.

A Christian woman spent eight years on death row falsely charged with blasphemy before she was acquitted and left the country. A provincial governor and a minister were killed for taking up her case.

Asia Bibi's release in October last year sparked rioting by hardline Islamists, who rejected the Supreme Court's verdict and warned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government that she must not be allowed to leave the country.

A Pakistani court will hear final arguments on Thursday in the blasphemy trial of a liberal scholar and former university lecturer a week after a U.S. religious freedom commission placed his name on its list of global victims, his lawyer said.

A Pakistani court will hear final arguments on Thursday in the blasphemy trial of a liberal scholar and former university lecturer a week after a U.S. religious freedom commission placed his name on its list of global victims, his lawyer said. Junaid Hafeez, who quit his studies at Pakistan's top medical college to pursue a passion for art and literature, secured a Fulbright scholarship and attended Jackson State University in 2009 where he majored in American literature, photography and theatre with distinction. He has been in solitary confinement in Pakistan for fear of being attacked by fellow inmates in jail since his arrest in 2013 on blasphemy charges linked to online posts. Insulting Islam's Prophet Mohammad carries a mandatory death penalty in Pakistan, which is about 95 per cent Muslim and has some of the harshest blasphemy laws in the world. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom said Hafeez and his family had been facing murder threats. In 2013, students at a university in central Pakistan where Hafeez taught English literature accused him of blasphemous Facebook posts. His lawyers say he was framed by students from an extremist Islamist party for his liberal and secular views. "Hafeez has experienced extreme trauma to his mental and physical health," the commission wrote under his biodata on the global religious freedom list updated this week. "It is a kind of a recognition that people are being persecuted in Pakistan for their belief and freedom of expression," his lawyer, Asad Jamal, told Reuters. He said a judge would hear final arguments both from prosecution and defence on Thursday. Since the trial began, several judges have backed out of hearing the case due to death threats. "The lengthy trial is now on its eighth judge and the prosecution has repeatedly failed to produce evidence of the alleged blasphemy," the commission said, adding that one defence lawyer had been murdered. No executions for blasphemy have been carried out in Pakistan but merely an allegation at times is enough for a mob to lynch someone accused of blasphemy. The Centre for Social Justice, a rights group, says at least 1,549 people have faced blasphemy charges since 1987 and 75 of them were murdered. A Christian woman spent eight years on death row falsely charged with blasphemy before she was acquitted and left the country. A provincial governor and a minister were killed for taking up her case. Asia Bibi's release in October last year sparked rioting by hardline Islamists, who rejected the Supreme Court's verdict and warned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government that she must not be allowed to leave the country.

Scholar's blasphemy trial enters final stages in Pakistan, US raises alarm

Thousands protested against police across Bangladesh on Monday, a day after at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-and-50-injured-as-police-fire-on-bangladesh-protesters-over-facebook-post-257087">four people died when officers fired on a crowd</a> in one of the country's deadliest religious riots to date.

Some 20,000 Muslims called for the execution of a young Hindu man on Bhola island Sunday for writing Facebook messages that allegedly defamed the Prophet Mohammed, with police saying they opened fire after rocks were thrown at officers.

Four people died and nearly 50 were injured, with at least seven in a critical condition in hospital.

Mob attacks over online posts perceived to be blasphemous have emerged as a major headache for security forces in Bangladesh, where Muslims make up some 90 percent of the country's 168 million people.

The deaths sparked a new round of protests late Sunday and on Monday as thousands of Muslims across several cities shouted slogans and called for the officers involved to be put on trial.

"This is not acceptable. Police have illegally and unconstitutionally opened fire on the protesters," 22-year-old madrasa student Mahmudul Hasan told AFP at a rally in the capital Dhaka.

"It is an extrajudicial killing. We seek justice."

The Hindu man whose Facebook account hosted the original messages and is from Bhola, was charged with inciting religious tension.

But Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for calm Sunday and said the man's Facebook account was hacked by a Muslim person and used to "spread lies".

Thousands of protesters who took part in the Bhola protest were being investigated, local police chief Enamul Haque told AFP, adding a police officer was also "fighting for his life" after he was shot by demonstrators.

No arrests have yet been made, he added.

This is not the first time alleged Facebook posts have sparked large-scale religious violence in the impoverished South Asian country. &nbsp;

In 2016, angry Muslims attacked Hindu temples in an eastern town over a Facebook post that allegedly mocked one of Islam's holiest sites.

And in 2012, Muslim mobs torched Buddhist monasteries, houses and shops in the coastal Cox's Bazar district after a photo of the koran that was considered defamatory was put online by a young Buddhist.

Thousands protested against police across Bangladesh on Monday, a day after at least four people died when officers fired on a crowd in one of the country's deadliest religious riots to date.

Thousands protested against police across Bangladesh on Monday, a day after at least four people died when officers fired on a crowd in one of the country's deadliest religious riots to date. Some 20,000 Muslims called for the execution of a young Hindu man on Bhola island Sunday for writing Facebook messages that allegedly defamed the Prophet Mohammed, with police saying they opened fire after rocks were thrown at officers. Four people died and nearly 50 were injured, with at least seven in a critical condition in hospital. Mob attacks over online posts perceived to be blasphemous have emerged as a major headache for security forces in Bangladesh, where Muslims make up some 90 percent of the country's 168 million people. The deaths sparked a new round of protests late Sunday and on Monday as thousands of Muslims across several cities shouted slogans and called for the officers involved to be put on trial. "This is not acceptable. Police have illegally and unconstitutionally opened fire on the protesters," 22-year-old madrasa student Mahmudul Hasan told AFP at a rally in the capital Dhaka. "It is an extrajudicial killing. We seek justice." The Hindu man whose Facebook account hosted the original messages and is from Bhola, was charged with inciting religious tension. But Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for calm Sunday and said the man's Facebook account was hacked by a Muslim person and used to "spread lies". Thousands of protesters who took part in the Bhola protest were being investigated, local police chief Enamul Haque told AFP, adding a police officer was also "fighting for his life" after he was shot by demonstrators. No arrests have yet been made, he added. This is not the first time alleged Facebook posts have sparked large-scale religious violence in the impoverished South Asian country. In 2016, angry Muslims attacked Hindu temples in an eastern town over a Facebook post that allegedly mocked one of Islam's holiest sites. And in 2012, Muslim mobs torched Buddhist monasteries, houses and shops in the coastal Cox's Bazar district after a photo of the koran that was considered defamatory was put online by a young Buddhist.

Thousands protest against Bangladesh police after deadly shootings

A violent mob in Pakistan vandalised three Hindu temples and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-minority-members-stage-walkout-after-anti-hindu-remarks-by-pak-lawmaker-204474">attacked members of the minority community</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.

The mob which went furious over allegations that a Hindu school principal had allegedly committed blasphemy also targetted&nbsp;multiple houses belonging to the minority community and a school in Ghotki in Pakistan's Sindh province.

The violence followed after an FIR was registered against the principal of Sindh Public School on the complaint of a student`s father.

The FIR was lodged under Article 295(c) - that pertains to "derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet - of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Videos that surfaced on the social media showed a group of people violently wielding sticks on a Hindu temple and the school.

After the incident, large contingents of police and paramilitary Rangers were deployed in Ghotki.

The residents have demanded the arrest the principal. Also, religious groups and organisations have called for a shutter down strike. Shops in the region remained closed on Sunday.

Meanwhile, due to the violent situation prevailing in the region, the police has put the alleged accused under "safe custody".

The authorities have also launched an investigation into the incident.

The rioters allegedly included supporters of radical religious leader Pir Abdul Haq alias Mian Mithu, who is widely accused of involvement in forced conversion of Hindu women in Sindh, IANS stated.

&nbsp;

A violent mob in Pakistan vandalised three Hindu temples and attacked members of the minority community on Saturday. The mob which went furious over allegations that a Hindu school principal had allegedly committed blasphemy also targetted multiple houses belonging to the minority community and a school in Ghotki in Pakistan's Sindh province.

A violent mob in Pakistan vandalised three Hindu temples and attacked members of the minority community on Saturday. The mob which went furious over allegations that a Hindu school principal had allegedly committed blasphemy also targetted multiple houses belonging to the minority community and a school in Ghotki in Pakistan's Sindh province. The violence followed after an FIR was registered against the principal of Sindh Public School on the complaint of a student`s father. The FIR was lodged under Article 295(c) - that pertains to "derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet - of the Pakistan Penal Code. Videos that surfaced on the social media showed a group of people violently wielding sticks on a Hindu temple and the school. After the incident, large contingents of police and paramilitary Rangers were deployed in Ghotki. The residents have demanded the arrest the principal. Also, religious groups and organisations have called for a shutter down strike. Shops in the region remained closed on Sunday. Meanwhile, due to the violent situation prevailing in the region, the police has put the alleged accused under "safe custody". The authorities have also launched an investigation into the incident. The rioters allegedly included supporters of radical religious leader Pir Abdul Haq alias Mian Mithu, who is widely accused of involvement in forced conversion of Hindu women in Sindh, IANS stated.

Violent mob vandalises temple in Pakistan's Sindh province

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) on Friday strongly rejected media reports regarding the blocking of social media websites in the country over blasphemous content.

"The media reports of #PTA recommending blocking of social media websites are entirely false," the authority tweeted.

On Friday, Pakistani media reports claimed that PTA`s Chairman, Amir Azeem Bajwa, had called on the government to block social media websites in the country to crack down on the circulation of "blasphemous content" through these mediums.

Quashing this, the authority said that Bajwa`s comments were "misquoted and taken out of context."

The PTA chief addressed a Senate Standing Committee earlier on Friday during which he had allegedly urged the government to formulate a policy and block social media networks, according to Geo News.

He had recommended for "indigenous social networking websites" to be made.

Bajwa also revealed that the telecom authority had received over 8,000 complaints regarding blasphemous content on the internet, and many as 40,000 websites in total have been blocked in Pakistan by the body.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) on Friday strongly rejected media reports regarding the blocking of social media websites in the country over blasphemous content.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) on Friday strongly rejected media reports regarding the blocking of social media websites in the country over blasphemous content. "The media reports of #PTA recommending blocking of social media websites are entirely false," the authority tweeted. On Friday, Pakistani media reports claimed that PTA`s Chairman, Amir Azeem Bajwa, had called on the government to block social media websites in the country to crack down on the circulation of "blasphemous content" through these mediums. Quashing this, the authority said that Bajwa`s comments were "misquoted and taken out of context." The PTA chief addressed a Senate Standing Committee earlier on Friday during which he had allegedly urged the government to formulate a policy and block social media networks, according to Geo News. He had recommended for "indigenous social networking websites" to be made. Bajwa also revealed that the telecom authority had received over 8,000 complaints regarding blasphemous content on the internet, and many as 40,000 websites in total have been blocked in Pakistan by the body.

Reports on blocking social media over blasphemous content 'false': Pakistan

Mobs set ablaze shops belonging to the Hindus after a veterinary doctor from the minority community allegedly tore pages of a holy book and wrapped medicines in them in Pakistan's Sindh province, according to a media report.

The Hindu veterinary doctor, identified as Ramesh Kumar, was arrested on Monday under the country's strict blasphemy laws after a local cleric filed a police complaint accusing him of committing blasphemy.

Under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, anyone accused of insulting Islam can be sentenced to death.

The doctor was taken into custody while angry protestors set fire to shops owned by Hindus and burnt tyres on road in Phuladyon town in Mirpurkhas district in the province, The Express Tribune reported.

Protesters set ablaze a doctor's clinic, a medical store, and two shops belonging to the members of the Hindu community. They also blocked roads by burning tyres, the report said.

There were reports that the protesters also looted some shops.

With the situation spiralling out of control, local authorities called in the paramilitary Rangers to deal with the mob violence.

Police also registered a case against those engaged in rioting.

"It's an unfortunate incident. We have taken the doctor into custody and are investigating incident," Senior Superintendent of Police Mirpurkhas Javed Baloch said.

He said a case has been registered and police have established a picket in the town to deal with any untoward incident.

"The situation is now normal," he said, adding that the police would take action against those who have ransacked properties of the Hindu community. 
"We have detained some suspects on charges of damaging properties,"&nbsp;he added.

The Mirpurkhas deputy commissioner said the government would compensate those whose properties were damaged during the violence.

A large number of Hindus reside in the interior of Sindh province and in Karachi and the Pakistan Hindu Council has complained in the past of minority community members being targeted under the blasphemy law by people because of personal enmity.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Muslim-majority Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country.

Mobs set ablaze shops belonging to the Hindus after a veterinary doctor from the minority community allegedly tore pages of a holy book and wrapped medicines in them in Pakistan's Sindh province, according to a media report.

Mobs set ablaze shops belonging to the Hindus after a veterinary doctor from the minority community allegedly tore pages of a holy book and wrapped medicines in them in Pakistan's Sindh province, according to a media report. The Hindu veterinary doctor, identified as Ramesh Kumar, was arrested on Monday under the country's strict blasphemy laws after a local cleric filed a police complaint accusing him of committing blasphemy. Under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, anyone accused of insulting Islam can be sentenced to death. The doctor was taken into custody while angry protestors set fire to shops owned by Hindus and burnt tyres on road in Phuladyon town in Mirpurkhas district in the province, The Express Tribune reported. Protesters set ablaze a doctor's clinic, a medical store, and two shops belonging to the members of the Hindu community. They also blocked roads by burning tyres, the report said. There were reports that the protesters also looted some shops. With the situation spiralling out of control, local authorities called in the paramilitary Rangers to deal with the mob violence. Police also registered a case against those engaged in rioting. "It's an unfortunate incident. We have taken the doctor into custody and are investigating incident," Senior Superintendent of Police Mirpurkhas Javed Baloch said. He said a case has been registered and police have established a picket in the town to deal with any untoward incident. "The situation is now normal," he said, adding that the police would take action against those who have ransacked properties of the Hindu community. "We have detained some suspects on charges of damaging properties," he added. The Mirpurkhas deputy commissioner said the government would compensate those whose properties were damaged during the violence. A large number of Hindus reside in the interior of Sindh province and in Karachi and the Pakistan Hindu Council has complained in the past of minority community members being targeted under the blasphemy law by people because of personal enmity. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Muslim-majority Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country.

Violence in Pakistan after Hindu veterinary doctor accused of blasphemy

A Hindu man was booked on Monday on blasphemy charges in Sindh’s Phuladyon town in Mirpurkhas district. The pesh imam of a mosque, Maulvi Ishaq Nohri, filed a complaint in response to which the case was registered. The cleric alleged that the veterinary doctor tore pages of the Holy Quran and wrapped medicine in them.

Pak doublespeak on minorities exposed, Mirpurkhas Hindu doctor booked on blasphemy charge

A Pakistani court on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of an ultra-right Islamist group arrested last year after his supporters shut down cities and threatened judges following the acquittal of a Christian woman accused of blasphemy.&nbsp;

The leader of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) party, Khadim Hussain Rizvi, and his deputy, Pir Afzal Qadri, were arrested last year and charged with inciting terrorism and sedition after protesting against the acquittal of Asia Bibi who had spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges.

"Today, the Lahore High Court has granted bail to Rizvi and Qadri in the cases of terrorism, sedition and inciting for violence," TLP lawyer Muhammad Arif Awan told Reuters.&nbsp;

Bibi left for Canada last week after living at an undisclosed location inside Pakistan since her acquittal. Hardline Islamists in Pakistan had rallied against her being allowed to leave and called for her to be killed.&nbsp;

Rizvi`s November arrest led to clashes between police and his supporters in the eastern city of Lahore, wounding five people in violence authorities say was instigated by the TLP leader after he called on his faithful to take to the streets if he was arrested.&nbsp;

The two men are due to be released on Wednesday.

TLP leaders had threatened the Supreme Court judges who acquitted Bibi, urging their cooks and servants to kill them, and called for the overthrow of the army chief, an unthinkable comment in Pakistan where the military is rarely criticized in public and the army normally does not tolerate such dissent.

The TLP, whose main focus is protecting Pakistan’s draconian blasphemy laws, was founded out of a movement supporting a bodyguard who assassinated Punjab provincial governor Salman Taseer for advocating for Bibi in 2011.

Blasphemy is a deeply emotive issue in Pakistan’s staunchly religious society, and officials have been unnerved by how much support Rizvi’s TLP has garnered across the country in the two years since the group entered mainstream politics.

A Pakistani court on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of an ultra-right Islamist group arrested last year after his supporters shut down cities and threatened judges following the acquittal of a Christian woman accused of blasphemy.

A Pakistani court on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of an ultra-right Islamist group arrested last year after his supporters shut down cities and threatened judges following the acquittal of a Christian woman accused of blasphemy. The leader of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) party, Khadim Hussain Rizvi, and his deputy, Pir Afzal Qadri, were arrested last year and charged with inciting terrorism and sedition after protesting against the acquittal of Asia Bibi who had spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges. "Today, the Lahore High Court has granted bail to Rizvi and Qadri in the cases of terrorism, sedition and inciting for violence," TLP lawyer Muhammad Arif Awan told Reuters. Bibi left for Canada last week after living at an undisclosed location inside Pakistan since her acquittal. Hardline Islamists in Pakistan had rallied against her being allowed to leave and called for her to be killed. Rizvi`s November arrest led to clashes between police and his supporters in the eastern city of Lahore, wounding five people in violence authorities say was instigated by the TLP leader after he called on his faithful to take to the streets if he was arrested. The two men are due to be released on Wednesday. TLP leaders had threatened the Supreme Court judges who acquitted Bibi, urging their cooks and servants to kill them, and called for the overthrow of the army chief, an unthinkable comment in Pakistan where the military is rarely criticized in public and the army normally does not tolerate such dissent. The TLP, whose main focus is protecting Pakistan’s draconian blasphemy laws, was founded out of a movement supporting a bodyguard who assassinated Punjab provincial governor Salman Taseer for advocating for Bibi in 2011. Blasphemy is a deeply emotive issue in Pakistan’s staunchly religious society, and officials have been unnerved by how much support Rizvi’s TLP has garnered across the country in the two years since the group entered mainstream politics.

Protestors who opposed Asia Bibi's acquittal get bail 

A Pakistani lawyer who defended Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman freed from gallows by the Supreme Court in a high-profile blasphemy case last year, will defend couple on death row for similar charges, a media report said on Saturday.

Advocate Saiful Malook will plead for the innocence of Christian couple, Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Masih, who was awarded death sentence by a district court in Punjab in April 2014 and also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 each, the Express Tribune reported.

Their appeal is pending in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and a hearing is likely to be fixed soon.

Malook said that he has submitted his Vakalatnama in the LHC to plead the case of the couple, saying that he already met Kausar in Multan jail, the paper reported.

Malook's decision to defend the young couple came days after Bibi left the country and reunited with her family in Canada.&nbsp;

Bibi, a mother of four from Punjab province, was taken out of the Muslim-majority country after repeated death threats from religious extremists, following the quashing of her conviction for blasphemy last year.

The 47-year-old mother of four was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement.

Kausar is also lodged in the same death cell, where Bibi was imprisoned before her acquittal in the blasphemy case last year.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Malook who was offered citizenship by EU countries played down threats to his security.&nbsp;

He said that he was working for human causes; therefore, he was not worried about his security.

According to the complainant in the couple's case, he received an SMS containing blasphemous remarks while offering prayers at a mosque on July 18, 2013.&nbsp;

He showed the SMS to his friends and thereafter approached his counsel for legal proceedings on the basis of the SMS.&nbsp;

While sitting in the office of the council, he received five more SMS. When the counsel tried to contact the number, he (lawyer) also received three to four SMS on his mobile phone, the paper reported.

The police claimed that both the convicts confessed to committing blasphemy.&nbsp;

After the investigation, police in its report alleged the couple was involved in the commission of an offence and would face trial.

Following the trial, the couple was convicted and awarded death sentence on April 4, 2014.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the court's order was challenged by the couple on many grounds, the report said.&nbsp;

Their appeal contends that the witnesses produced by the prosecution during the trial were related to the complainant and were "inimical"&nbsp;towards them and their statements required independent corroboration which is lacking in this case.

The convicted couple also claimed that about eight to nine months prior to the case, a minor quarrel took place between their children and of the neighbour's, who developed a grudge against them.

Kausar was working at the Bishop Compound and the copy of her national identity card was available in the record of the Bishop Compound, where the neighbour was also working.

They alleged that the neighbour succeeded in obtaining the copy of her NIC and purchased the SIM in her name and later misused that SIM and forwarded the alleged blasphemous SMS to the complainant, who was in collusion with their neighbour, the paper said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the passage of five years, the appeal was fixed before the LHC division bench on February 7, but it was left over.&nbsp;

It is learned that the matter will be relisted soon, the paper reported.&nbsp;

A Pakistani lawyer who defended Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman freed from gallows by the Supreme Court in a high-profile blasphemy case last year, will defend couple on death row for similar charges, a media report said on Saturday.

A Pakistani lawyer who defended Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman freed from gallows by the Supreme Court in a high-profile blasphemy case last year, will defend couple on death row for similar charges, a media report said on Saturday. Advocate Saiful Malook will plead for the innocence of Christian couple, Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Masih, who was awarded death sentence by a district court in Punjab in April 2014 and also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 each, the Express Tribune reported. Their appeal is pending in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and a hearing is likely to be fixed soon. Malook said that he has submitted his Vakalatnama in the LHC to plead the case of the couple, saying that he already met Kausar in Multan jail, the paper reported. Malook's decision to defend the young couple came days after Bibi left the country and reunited with her family in Canada. Bibi, a mother of four from Punjab province, was taken out of the Muslim-majority country after repeated death threats from religious extremists, following the quashing of her conviction for blasphemy last year. The 47-year-old mother of four was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. Kausar is also lodged in the same death cell, where Bibi was imprisoned before her acquittal in the blasphemy case last year. Malook who was offered citizenship by EU countries played down threats to his security. He said that he was working for human causes; therefore, he was not worried about his security. According to the complainant in the couple's case, he received an SMS containing blasphemous remarks while offering prayers at a mosque on July 18, 2013. He showed the SMS to his friends and thereafter approached his counsel for legal proceedings on the basis of the SMS. While sitting in the office of the council, he received five more SMS. When the counsel tried to contact the number, he (lawyer) also received three to four SMS on his mobile phone, the paper reported. The police claimed that both the convicts confessed to committing blasphemy. After the investigation, police in its report alleged the couple was involved in the commission of an offence and would face trial. Following the trial, the couple was convicted and awarded death sentence on April 4, 2014. However, the court's order was challenged by the couple on many grounds, the report said. Their appeal contends that the witnesses produced by the prosecution during the trial were related to the complainant and were "inimical" towards them and their statements required independent corroboration which is lacking in this case. The convicted couple also claimed that about eight to nine months prior to the case, a minor quarrel took place between their children and of the neighbour's, who developed a grudge against them. Kausar was working at the Bishop Compound and the copy of her national identity card was available in the record of the Bishop Compound, where the neighbour was also working. They alleged that the neighbour succeeded in obtaining the copy of her NIC and purchased the SIM in her name and later misused that SIM and forwarded the alleged blasphemous SMS to the complainant, who was in collusion with their neighbour, the paper said. After the passage of five years, the appeal was fixed before the LHC division bench on February 7, but it was left over. It is learned that the matter will be relisted soon, the paper reported.

Asia Bibi's lawyer to defend Christian couple on death row over blasphemy

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