Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Archdiocese of Lahore
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – To curb the serious phenomenon of the “blasphemy business,” the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the government to create a special commission to investigate the growing number of cases that particularly affect young people. The decision follows appeals from numerous families whose members have been lured, deceived, and implicated in cases of “online blasphemy,” often through messages on social media or WhatsApp groups, becoming trapped in a criminal network that uses accusations of blasphemy as a tool for blackmail and extortion (see Fides, 30/1/2025).Cases of this type have increased dramatically since 2022, with numerous young people arrested for alleged blasphemy offenses after participating in online forums. Lawyers, human rights organizations, and law enforcement authorities have pointed out that behind this phenomenon lies a complex network, which even includes lawyers’ associations involved in monitoring digital platforms for allegedly blasphemous content, taking advantage of the situation to extort money from people who are unwittingly trapped. “The High Court has ordered the creation of a commission within the next 30 days to investigate this phenomenon. The commission must present its findings within four months. This directive offers hope to the affected families,” Catholic lawyer Khalil Tahir Sandhu, who is committed to defending innocent victims of blasphemy accusations, told Fides. “I believe that this time the government will react positively and get to the bottom of the matter, which has taken on very serious aspects. The blasphemy law in Pakistan, as it stands today, lends itself to being exploited and manipulated, even by criminal gangs that ruin innocent people,” he added.A report by Pakistan’s National Human Rights Commission reveals that 767 people, mostly young people, are currently in prison awaiting trial on blasphemy charges. “These accusations have a serious impact on the victims’ families. Often, even after an acquittal, the stigma remains for life,” Sandhu emphasizes. Meanwhile, he concludes, “the families of the victims hope that justice will be done and that politics will find a way to bring the truth to light. We hope that the commission of inquiry can clarify the situation and offer relief to those involved in cases that can materially and psychologically destroy their families.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/7/2025)
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