Sargodha, July 17, 2023 – The district of Sargodha is currently grappling with a concerning wave of religious tension following the registration of the third blasphemy case in a span of just two weeks. This distressing development has not only jeopardized the lives of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 Christians but has also evoked deep concerns within the local community and beyond.
On July 16, Muhammad Abdul Gaffar, a retired Pakistan Air Force officer and resident of Green Town, reported the discovery of a blasphemous poster affixed to his house wall. The poster contained disrespectful content targeting revered figures and included derogatory comments about the Holy Quran. Shockingly, it even expressed praise for the recent Quran-burning incident in Sweden. Consequently, an unidentified individual has been charged under the blasphemy laws, specifically Sections 295-A, 255-B, and 295-A.
The tensions and unrest among Christians have intensified due to protests by certain Muslim groups demanding the death penalty for the accused. An angry mob has resorted to advocating severe punishment, chanting slogans calling for decapitation as the only acceptable form of retribution.
This deteriorating situation has led to roadblocks and urgent calls for action, including the registration of a case against the alleged perpetrator. Fortunately, the prompt intervention of the police has helped restore calm and regain control over the situation. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that several Christian towns in neighboring areas, accommodating an estimated population of 4,000 to 5,000 Christians, continue to grapple with fear and uncertainty. Although immediate attacks on Christians have been averted due to the intervention of law enforcement agencies, the community remains in a state of apprehension and anxiety.
Tahir Naveed Chaudhry, a former member of the Punjab Assembly and a resident of Sargodha, expressed relief over the swift response of the police. However, he emphasized that Christians in the district continue to endure fear as they are often subjected to hasty accusations of blasphemy driven by hatred or personal vendettas. Haroon Shahzad, a Christian man from Chak no 49, had his bail revoked after being accused of posting blasphemous content on Facebook. Similarly, another case within the Sargodha district involved Zaki Masih from Chak no 98, who was arrested under blasphemy laws for allegedly sharing blasphemous content.
According to the information received, multiple Christians have been arrested, and around a few hundred have left their homes due to fear of attack by extremist Muslims in Sargodha.
Joseph Jansen, a human rights activist, strongly condemned the events in Sargodha, emphasizing that blasphemy laws have significant repercussions on minority communities in the country. These laws notably impact the fundamental rights to life, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Joseph Jansen further highlighted that individuals accused in blasphemy cases are often prematurely presumed guilty without undergoing proper investigation or receiving a fair trial. It is imperative for the government to introduce reforms that establish robust procedural and institutional safeguards at the investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial levels. These reforms should include the requirement of substantial evidence from accusers, ensuring thorough investigations led by experienced police officials, and granting authorities the discretion to dismiss baseless accusations. Such measures are indispensable in preventing the unjust punishment of individuals solely based on allegations.
The ongoing misuse of blasphemy laws and the escalating violence against religious minorities necessitate immediate and effective measures to safeguard the rights and lives of all citizens. It is the responsibility of the government and society as a whole to foster an environment of tolerance, respect for diversity, and the protection of human rights for every individual, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
