Pakistani Court gives death penalty to a Christian for blasphemy

Islamabad – Pakistan’s Special Anti-Terrorism Judge Jainullah Khan sentenced Ahsan Raja Masih to death. He is accused of blasphemy, i.e. committing anti-Islamic acts. He was sentenced to death along with a fine of 10 lakh Pakistani rupees. Masih had circulated an allegedly blasphemous post on ‘TikTok’. His post has been accused of hurting the sentiments of Muslims. Based on a complaint lodged by a Police officer, action has been taken against Masih under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act and the ‘Prevention of Electronic Crime Act’.

Christian houses and churches were set on fire due to blasphemous post

Masih’s post sparked rumors that ‘Christians have defaced the Quran’ in Pakistan’s Punjab province. In Jaranwala taluk of Faisalabad District, 130 km away from Lahore, Muslims set 24 churches on fire, and vandalised the church and surrounding area. 80 houses of Christians were also set on fire. 200 Muslims were detained by the Police after this incident; but no action was taken against any of them. Of these 200, 188 were acquitted by the Court for lack of evidence, while the remaining 12 are out on bail.

Editorial Perspective

Blasphemy law is being used in Pakistan to oppress its minorities. Pakistani Hindus are also suffering due to it.