Human Rights Violation: Death Sentence for Christian in Islamic Pakistan Exemplifies Blasphemy Law Weaponization

Pakistan, an Islamic nation, has once again drawn international attention for its severe violation of human rights. In a recent case, a Christian man named Nouman Asghar was sentenced to death by an Islamic court for allegedly receiving cartoons of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, in a WhatsApp chat message. This verdict highlights the weaponization of blasphemy laws in the country, leading to gross injustice and the persecution of religious minorities. Nouman’s case adds to a long list of similar instances where Christians have been prosecuted, often based on fabricated allegations. This article delves into the details of this egregious human rights violation, shedding light on the broader issue of blasphemy laws in Pakistan.

The Case of Nouman Asghar and Sunny Mushtaq

Nouman Asghar, a 24-year-old Christian from Bahawalpur in Punjab, was convicted under section 295-C of Pakistan’s Penal Code, which carries the death penalty for blasphemy. Asghar and his family argued that the drawings of Muhammad were sent to him by Bilal Ahmad, a young Muslim whom the police did not arrest. It is worth noting that the same cartoons were also sent via WhatsApp to Asghar’s Christian cousin, Sunny Mushtaq, who is currently awaiting sentencing for blasphemy from the same court. This highlights the interconnected nature of their cases and raises questions about the fairness and consistency of the judicial process.

The Flawed Judicial Process

According to Aneeqa Maria Anthony, a lawyer from The Voice legal group supporting Nouman and Sunny, the magistrate overseeing Asghar’s case dismissed crucial evidence in favor of the accused and appeared determined to punish him as an alleged blasphemer. Notably, Asghar and his legal team have argued that the drawings were received from Bilal Ahmad, yet Ahmad was not arrested or held accountable. The selective targeting of Asghar and the failure to investigate the involvement of others involved in sharing the cartoons raises concerns about the fairness of the investigation and trial. Furthermore, the legal team claims that the magistrate ignored proper procedures and failed to consider the contradictions and lack of evidence in the case, further undermining the integrity of the judicial process. This disregard for justice and the rush to impose the death penalty on Nouman Asghar represent a grave miscarriage of justice that has serious implications for religious freedom and the protection of individuals’ rights in Pakistan’s legal system.

Continued Weaponization of Blasphemy Laws

Nouman Asghar’s case is one of countless examples of the weaponization of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, particularly against religious minorities. Muslims often use blasphemy laws as a tool to target and persecute individuals they dislike or want to silence, particularly Christians and Hindus. The most notorious case is that of Asia Bibi, a Catholic mother who spent nearly a decade on death row after being falsely accused of insulting Muhammad. Asia Bibi’s case garnered international attention and exposed the flaws and dangers of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

The Punishment for Insulting Islam or Muhammad

Under Sharia law, which is implemented in most Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, those who insult Muhammad or Allah are prescribed the death penalty. This punishment extends to those who desecrate the Quran or commit other acts of “perceived” blasphemy. The basis for these severe penalties can be found in the Quran and the Hadith, which are religious texts of Islam.

The Quran states in various verses the severity of punishment for those who invent lies against Allah or annoy Allah and His Messenger. For instance, Quran (6:93) emphasizes the wickedness of lying against Allah, implying that the most wicked crimes should be met with the appropriate penalty. Quran (33:57) and Quran (33:61) further emphasize the cursed state and the severe consequences awaiting those who annoy Allah and His Messenger.

The Hadith and Sira, which are collections of sayings and actions of Muhammad, provide historical context to the implementation of these punishments. Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, two prominent collections of Hadith, document incidents where Muhammad ordered or supported the killing of individuals who insulted or mocked him. These accounts include the assassination of Ka’b bin al-Ashraf, a Jewish poet, and the execution of individuals who lied about or insulted Muhammad.

International Repercussions and Pakistan’s Ranking

Pakistan’s treatment of religious minorities and its weaponization of blasphemy laws have garnered widespread international condemnation. The country’s ranking as the seventh most dangerous place for Christians, according to Open Doors’ 2023 list, further highlights the grave human rights situation faced by non-Muslims in Pakistan. The international community has a responsibility to address these violations and pressure the Pakistani government to reform its laws and ensure the protection of religious freedom and human rights.

The Weaponization of Blasphemy Laws and Violence

The weaponization of blasphemy laws in Pakistan not only results in gross injustice but also fuels violence and vigilantism. In several instances, individuals accused of blasphemy have been subjected to mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and attacks on their communities. This atmosphere of fear and persecution creates an environment where individuals take the law into their own hands, leading to further human rights violations and a breakdown of the rule of law.

The Need for Reforms and International Pressure

To address the ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan, it is imperative to push for meaningful reforms in the country’s blasphemy to address the ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan laws. These laws should be amended to protect freedom of speech and expression, ensuring that individuals can express their opinions and beliefs without fear of persecution or violence. Additionally, the judicial system must uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and the presumption of innocence, providing a transparent and unbiased process for those accused of blasphemy.

The international community, including human rights organizations, governments, and religious leaders, should continue to exert pressure on the Pakistani government to enact these reforms. If necessary, diplomatic efforts, economic incentives, and sanctions should be utilized to encourage Pakistan to uphold its obligations under international human rights standards and protect the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.

The Need For International Condemnation

The case of Nouman Asghar and the broader issue of blasphemy law weaponization in Pakistan shine a spotlight on the grave human rights violations faced by religious minorities in the country. The imposition of a death sentence based on flimsy evidence and a biased judicial process clearly violates fundamental human rights. It is crucial for the international community to unite in condemning these practices and urging Pakistan to undertake meaningful reforms that protect religious freedom, ensure a fair legal system, and uphold the rights of all its citizens. Only through sustained pressure, advocacy, and the withdrawal of international funding can we hope to bring about positive change and end the persecution and injustice faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.