Inquiry Commission Demanded by Families of Blasphemy Accused in Pakistan

In recent times, blasphemy accusations have become a serious issue in Pakistan, leading to dire consequences for many individuals and their families. The sensitive nature of these allegations often results in severe social and legal repercussions, with numerous families caught in a web of fear and uncertainty. On Wednesday, over 40 families of those accused in blasphemy cases gathered at the National Press Club in Islamabad, demanding the establishment of an inquiry commission to investigate these troubling matters.

Advocate Usman Warraich, representing the families, highlighted the urgent need for an inquiry under the Inquiry Commission Act. He referred to a report from the special branch issued in January 2024, which indicated that a group was operating within the country, ensnaring innocent individuals through deceitful tactics. "We also wrote to the Cabinet and Interior divisions, the human rights division, and even to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. No action has been taken on these reports," Warraich stated, expressing frustration over the lack of response from authorities.

Warraich further emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that at least 400 families are suffering due to these allegations. He recounted a tragic story of a young man, a BS Physics student at Punjab University, who was ensnared in a blasphemy case after a woman he met online sent him a blasphemous image. After he questioned her about it, she reported him to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), leading to his arrest and ongoing trial.

Following the press conference, the families staged a peaceful protest outside the press club, voicing their concerns and seeking justice. The special branch report revealed that a suspicious gang is allegedly targeting youth in blasphemy cases, extorting money from them after approaching the FIA in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This gang, reportedly led by Sheraz Ahmed Farooqi, is said to be involved in approximately 90 percent of blasphemy cases, with several members, including a lawyer named Rao Abdul Raheem, forming an organization called "Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan."

The report also identified various social media groups associated with this gang, which are believed to be used for their nefarious activities. Rao Abdul Raheem, one of the gang members, has a controversial past, having been involved in a kidnapping and murder case in Islamabad in 2022.

In response to the alarming situation, a writ petition signed by 101 complainants was filed at the Islamabad High Court. Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing, which revealed the disturbing nature of the allegations. The court ordered the respondents, including various government ministries and agencies, to submit their written replies within two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for October 11th.

Meanwhile, the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act Court, led by Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, has been actively hearing cases related to blasphemy. Currently, there are around 33 cases pending in his court, with recent outcomes including a death sentence for a Christian woman and life imprisonment for another man, while one individual was acquitted.

The ongoing plight of families affected by blasphemy accusations raises significant questions about the legal and social frameworks in Pakistan. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for the government and relevant authorities to address these concerns seriously. Establishing an inquiry commission could provide much-needed clarity and justice for those wrongfully accused, ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected in a society where the stakes are alarmingly high.