In Pakistan, the consequences of a WhatsApp message or a social media post can be life-threatening. Last week, a court in Gujrat district, Punjab, sentenced a 22-year-old student to death for allegedly sharing blasphemous pictures and videos. In the same case, a 17-year-old was sentenced to life imprisonment, as Pakistan’s law prohibits the death penalty for minors. This case reflects the growing trend of blasphemy charges being used to target individuals, especially young people, for their online activity.
Blasphemy is a capital offense in Pakistan, punishable by death. While the law has historically been used to settle personal scores or persecute religious minorities, its increasing use to prosecute people for content shared on social media marks a dangerous escalation.
Blasphemy and Social Media: A Deadly Combination
The recent case in Punjab is not the first time someone has faced a death sentence over social media content. In January 2022, a court in Rawalpindi sentenced 26-year-old Aneeqa Atiq to death for allegedly sharing blasphemous material via WhatsApp. Similarly, Junaid Hafeez, a university professor, has been imprisoned for over a decade and faces a possible death sentence for accusations related to blasphemous content shared on Facebook. Hafeez’s lawyer, Rashid Rehman, was murdered in 2014, likely in retaliation for his defense of those accused under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws.
These cases highlight the chilling reality of how Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are being extended to the digital realm. Social media platforms, often seen as spaces for free expression, have become dangerous for Pakistani citizens, particularly young people.
Blasphemy Accusations: A Tool for Violence
Blasphemy accusations in Pakistan often lead to violence, even without legal proceedings. Since 1990, at least 65 people have been killed in Pakistan following blasphemy allegations. One of the most recent instances of mob violence occurred on August 16, 2023, when hundreds of people attacked a Christian settlement in Faisalabad, Punjab, after two members of the community were accused of blasphemy. These violent responses show how deeply ingrained and volatile the issue of blasphemy is in Pakistan’s social and political fabric.
A Dangerous Escalation
The expansion of blasphemy charges to include online activities is a concerning development. With the widespread use of social media, the risk of accusations has multiplied, creating an environment ripe for witch hunts. A simple accusation can result in devastating consequences, including imprisonment, violence, or death.
Calls for Reform
Human rights advocates have long called for reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, arguing that they are used as tools of repression and violence. The growing number of cases involving social media posts makes this call even more urgent. Rather than extending the reach of these laws into the digital space, the Pakistani government should focus on amending and ultimately repealing its blasphemy laws to protect its citizens from persecution.
As social media becomes a more integral part of everyday life, the dangers of Pakistan’s blasphemy law are now extending into cyberspace, where young people are increasingly being targeted. Without reform, these laws will continue to threaten free speech, human rights, and the safety of Pakistan’s citizens.