In Pakistan, the misuse of blasphemy laws has grown into a tool of oppression, inflicting unimaginable pain on innocent people and their families. The horrifying stories of victims like Fatima Jahangir, Abdullah Shah, Syed Ali Husnain Shah, Sohan Khan, and Safir Ullah show a chilling pattern of abuse, corruption, and injustice that continues to plague Pakistan.
The Blasphemy Business Group:
At the heart of this crisis lies a criminal syndicate referred to as the “blasphemy business group.” Operated by figures like Rao Abdul Rahim in collaboration with FIA officials, this group exploits religious sentiment to target people for personal, financial, or political gain. Victims are often lured through deceptive means, such as fake friendships or online interactions, and then accused of blasphemy using fabricated evidence.
This network operates with impunity, subjecting victims to inhumane torture, including electric shocks, physical abuse, and other methods designed to force confessions. Once these coerced confessions are obtained, the victims are transferred to detention centers where their fate is effectively sealed.
The Ordeal of Innocent Lives:
Fatima Jahangir, a 22-year-old student from Lahore, was falsely accused of blasphemy. Arrested in May 2022, she endured relentless torture in Kot Lakhpat Prison until her untimely death in April 2024. Despite her deteriorating health, prison authorities denied her adequate medical care, ultimately leading to her demise. Her family’s grief was compounded by false media narratives that painted her as a convict, further isolating them and obscuring the truth of her innocence.
Abdullah Shah’s fate was similarly tragic. Lured and entrapped by a so-called “blasphemy business group” in collusion with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), he was brutally tortured to extract a confession. The trauma he endured led to his death, while his family faced threats and intimidation to remain silent.
Syed Ali Husnain Shah, a young man striving to support his family, was accused under false pretenses and subjected to severe torture. Despite clear signs of abuse and deteriorating health, he received no proper medical care, leading to his death in June 2024. His family was misled about his condition, only to discover his lifeless body later.
The stories of Sohan Khan and Safir Ullah follow a similar trajectory. Both men were arrested on fabricated charges, tortured, and denied basic human rights. Their deaths in custody highlight the systemic brutality and lack of accountability within the justice system.
Failures of Justice and Governance:
The justice system’s complicity exacerbates the suffering of victims. Judges often fail to investigate allegations of torture or tampering with evidence. In Fatima Jahangir’s case, no postmortem was ordered despite her death occurring under state custody. Media outlets further fuel the injustice by disseminating false narratives, tarnishing the reputations of victims and their families.
The FIA’s limited forensic capabilities compound the issue. In an era of advanced technology, tools like deepfake videos can easily frame people. Yet, the investigative processes remain outdated and insufficient, leaving victims vulnerable to malicious actors.
The toll of this systemic abuse is staggering. Families are torn apart, lives are destroyed, and communities live in fear. The misuse of blasphemy laws has created an environment where even an unproven accusation can result in death, whether through mob violence or custodial torture.
The case of Fatima Jahangir illustrates the devastating impact on families. Her parents, already grappling with their daughter’s wrongful imprisonment, were subjected to a barrage of false information and institutional apathy. Similarly, the families of Abdullah Shah and Syed Ali Husnain Shah endured threats and intimidation, silenced by the pervasive power of the perpetrators.
The Path Forward:
The ongoing abuse of blasphemy laws demands urgent action from both national and international communities. The following steps are critical:
Judicial Reforms: Courts must prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability in cases involving blasphemy accusations. Independent investigations into custodial deaths and allegations of torture are essential.
Forensic Advancements: Investing in modern forensic tools to detect tampering and deepfakes can help ensure that evidence is credible and reliable.
Protection for Victims and Families: Robust mechanisms must be established to safeguard the rights of accused individuals and their families, including access to legal aid and protection from threats.
International Pressure: Human rights organizations and foreign governments should exert pressure on Pakistan to address the misuse of blasphemy laws and uphold its commitments to international human rights standards.
Public Awareness: Educating the public about the dangers of false accusations and the exploitation of blasphemy laws can help counter the mob mentality that often exacerbates these cases.
Our Efforts:
The Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved (ECSPE) is also actively assisting people and families targeted by the “blasphemy business group.” We are determined to expose these criminal networks and fight for the release of those falsely arrested under blasphemy laws. Our mission is rooted in the belief that no innocent life should be sacrificed to corruption and exploitation, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring justice and freedom to the oppressed.
Original Source: https://ecspe.org/the-tragedy-of-blasphemy-laws-in-pakistan-five-people-killed-in-custody/
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