The Dark Side of Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan: Blackmail, Fear, and Corruption
On June 8, 2025, Human Rights Watch published a powerful and timely article titled “Pakistan: Blasphemy Laws Exploited for Blackmail, Profit.” This article sheds light on a disturbing and evolving misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan—where accusations are no longer just religious or ideological tools, but are increasingly used for extortion and digital blackmail.
The report documents how cybercriminals—sometimes with the complicity of law enforcement—plant or fabricate “blasphemous” content and use it to entrap unsuspecting individuals. These victims are then threatened with arrest or public exposure unless they pay bribes. In Pakistan’s climate of fear, even the mere accusation of blasphemy can result in mob violence or extrajudicial killings. These tactics are not just criminal—they’re deeply systemic.
Why the End Blasphemy Laws Movement Stands Firm
This is not an isolated trend. As the End Blasphemy Laws movement, we have consistently argued that Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are:
- Structurally flawed
- Open to manipulation
- Incompatible with fundamental human rights
The HRW report reinforces what activists, lawyers, and victims have been saying for decades: these laws don’t protect religion—they facilitate persecution, fear, and corruption.
Systemic Failures Within Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan
The situation is made worse by the lack of due process in blasphemy-related cases. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws do not contain safeguards against false accusations, which means:
- The presumption of guilt overrides justice
- Evidentiary standards are dangerously low
- Judicial officers and defense lawyers are often intimidated or silenced
In this toxic legal climate, a blasphemy accusation becomes a weapon—a slow-motion death sentence, whether through incarceration, mob violence, or social exile.
International Condemnation and the Urgent Need for Reform
The misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan has been repeatedly condemned by international human rights organizations and the United Nations. These laws:
- Violate basic rights to freedom of speech, religion, and conscience
- Chill political and artistic expression
- Enable a culture of vigilante justice
They are vague, overly broad, and have no protections for the falsely accused. This enables not only mob justice but now profit-driven blackmail schemes through digital platforms.
The Way Forward: Repeal and Replace with Justice
Reforming or repealing blasphemy laws in Pakistan is not just a legal necessity—it is a moral imperative. Until that happens:
- Innocent people will remain in prison
- Journalists, artists, and activists will be silenced
- Blackmailers and corrupt officials will continue to exploit the law
The solution is clear: abolish blasphemy laws, ensure judicial protections, and uphold universal human rights.
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