Pakistan Sees Surge in Online Blasphemy Arrests, Human Rights Groups Raise Alarm

International News: In Pakistan, a growing number of people are being arrested for blasphemy offenses linked to online interactions. Many of the accused say they were falsely targeted by individuals attempting to extort money or to inflate blasphemy statistics for publicity or political gain.

Death Penalty for Blasphemy, Rarely Carried Out

The law in Pakistan allows for the death penalty in blasphemy cases. However, no one has been executed under these laws so far. Human rights experts warn that highlighting blasphemy cases—whether genuine or fabricated—can be used by religious groups to gather public support and raise funds under the guise of protecting religious sanctity.

Rise in Online Blasphemy Arrests

Interviews with families of the accused, legal experts, human rights advocates, and officials, along with government reports, indicate possible misuse of blasphemy laws. A report by Pakistan’s National Human Rights Commission published last October noted a sharp rise in arrests for online blasphemy. The report shows that there were 11 arrests in 2020, nine in 2021, and 64 in 2022.

Following amendments to blasphemy penalties, the number of arrests increased sharply. In 2023, 213 people were arrested, and in the first seven months of 2024 alone, 767 arrests were reported. Those accused often spend months in jail before formal charges or trials begin.

Concerns About Political Use

Peter Jacob, executive director of the Centre for Social Justice Pakistan, said that aggressive efforts to investigate and prosecute blasphemy cases indicate growing political influence over these laws. Pre-trial detention and prolonged harassment of the accused are common, raising serious concerns about justice and due process.

Differing Perspectives

Organizations like the Pakistan Law Commission deny that the laws are being misused. According to them, authentic online blasphemy cases have grown considerably. Lawyer Rao Abdur Rahim recently said, “We have never before seen such disrespect directed toward Islam, the Holy Quran, Prophet Muhammad, and other revered figures.”

Call for Reforms

Human rights advocates stress that blasphemy laws are often exploited for personal, financial, or political motives. They call for reforms to prevent abuse, protect innocent citizens, and ensure fair legal processes in the digital era.