A Critical Study of Blasphemy Laws of Pakistan and their Impact on the Minorities of the Country

Abdul Muhaimin Khan,Muhammad Hayat Khan

doi:10.51665/al-duhaa.001.02.0013

Abstract

The blasphemy laws are the parts of Pakistan Penal Code which were set up by the British regime in 1860. These laws were aimed to safeguard the religious feelings of the followers of various beliefs. The laws encompassed all the religions who lived in the subcontinent. It is also said that the sections 295-B and 295-C which were introduced in 1980s are meant to shield only one religion and that is Islam. This research has critically examined the blasphemy laws of Pakistan and their impacts on the status of non-Muslims living in the country. The study has highlighted views of the adherents and the opponents of these laws. It gives a fact sheet of what has happened so far in the country in terms of the outcomes of these laws. The research includes a recent survey on issue related to blasphemy and it ends up with few recommendations.

Highlights

The Law itself: Pakistan Penal Codes has 2 sections and 3 sub sections of blasphemy laws and the details of these laws are; 295
Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs: Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of citizens of Pakistan, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations insults the religion or the religious beliefs of that class shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both
Some scholars have proffered the above mentioned verse of the Qur’ānas a possible basis. Allah is these verses have prescribed the punishment of rebellion and disorder, and they believe that blasphemy against the Prophet (PBUH) is a form of this offense.[17]

Summary

Introduction

The Law itself: Pakistan Penal Codes has 2 sections and 3 sub sections of blasphemy laws and the details of these laws are; 295. It is obvious from the style of these verses that the meaning implied by waging war against Allah and his Prophet (PBUH) and spreading anarchy in the land is that an individual or a group of individual rebels against the Islamic law of the Almighty and attacks the life, wealth, honor and freedom of expression of people.[16]

Results

Conclusion