A massive crackdown on an Islamist religio-political party and a recent announcement by Pakistan’s law minister suggest authorities have resolved to make procedural changes to controversial blasphemy laws, sources said.
The goal of such changes would be to prevent people from being falsely accused of blasphemy, which in Pakistan is punishable by death if Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, is insulted.
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Blasphemy and accusations of the crime have led to the extrajudicial killings of dozens of people in Pakistan since 1990. Rights groups have repeatedly criticized and called for the reform or repeal of the harsh laws, which date back to the British empire. Other punishments include a fine or prison term, depending on the specific offense.
Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar on Oct. 16 announced that the government was introducing procedural safeguards to prevent misuse of the laws and ensure timely justice by ensuring fair investigation and judicial sensitivity in blasphemy-related cases.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Morning Star News.
