The recent incidents of violence and extremism in Pakistan have once again brought to light the dangerous consequences of blasphemy accusations in the country. Last month, protests erupted in major cities over a blasphemy ruling by a top judge, leading to online backlash and threats. In Punjab Province, a police officer had to rescue a woman from an attack by people who mistook Arabic script on her dress for Quranic verses.
In Karachi, a group demolished the minarets on a house of worship used by the Ahmadi sect, a long-persecuted minority in Pakistan. Blasphemy is taken very seriously in the predominantly Muslim country, with a conviction potentially resulting in death. However, even an accusation of blasphemy can lead to mob violence and extrajudicial killings before a trial can take place.
The recent incident in Lahore, where a woman was accused of blasphemy due to Arabic script on her dress, highlights the challenges faced by the police in dealing with such situations. Police officer Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi was able to diffuse the volatile situation through dialogue and negotiation, earning praise for her professionalism.
The rise of extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan has further exacerbated the situation, with violent protests and demands for strict blasphemy laws. The party, which emerged as the fourth-largest in recent elections, has been linked to a surge in religion-based violence in the country.
Experts and activists warn that the glorification of extremist groups and the misuse of blasphemy laws have created a crisis in Pakistan, escalating the threat of violence to alarming levels. The need for reform and protection of minority rights is more urgent than ever in a country where faith holds immense sway.
