LAHORE: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed its deep concern over recent amendment in blasphemy laws aimed at increasing punishment for disrespect of Ummahatul Momineen, Ahl-e-Bait, Khulfa-e-Rashideen and Sahaba-e-Kiram.

National Assembly had unanimously passed Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2023 on Tuesday, enhancing minimum punishment for those who insult sacred personalities from three to 10 years along with fine of Rs 1 million.

Statement of objectives of bill says disrespecting companion of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and other sacred personalities not only promotes terrorism and disruption in country but also hurts people from all walks of life.

“While stated aim of this bill is to curb sectarianism, HRCP believes it is likely to exacerbate persecution of Pakistan’s beleaguered religious minorities and minority sects,” read press statement from HRCP chairperson Hina Jilani.

Bill also makes offence non-bailable, HRCP said, thereby directly violating constitutionally guaranteed right to personal liberty under Article 9. “Given Pakistan’s troubled record of misuse of such laws, these amendments are likely to be weaponised disproportionately against religious minorities and sects, resulting in false FIRs, harassment and persecution.

Moreover, increasing penalty for alleged blasphemy will aggravate misuse of law to settle personal vendettas, as is often case with blasphemy allegations,” said HRCP.

“At time when civil society has been calling for amendments to these laws to prevent their abuse, strengthening this punishment will do exact opposite,” it added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 21 2023

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