Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan: The Controversy of the ‘Blasphemy Business Gang’ and Judicial Response
The laws on blasphemy and defamation of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Pakistan have evolved through several stages. These laws hold deep emotional significance for the public. Despite efforts by certain groups to abolish them, neither the parliament nor any court can repeal them with a single stroke due to their entrenched status.
Consequently, a campaign has been launched to create doubts among the public, aiming to convince the average person through propaganda that blasphemy cases are not genuine and that these laws are only being misused.
A significant milestone in this regard is the propaganda surrounding the so-called “Blasphemy Business Gang” and the proceedings and verdict in the “Noor Fatima vs. State of Pakistan” writ petition in the Islamabad High Court. During the hearings, the presiding judge, Justice Sardar Ijaz ul-Isaq Khan, consistently referred to one party as the “Alleged Unholy Blasphemy Business Gang.” Meanwhile, he refrained from calling those arrested or convicted of blasphemy-related offenses as “accused,” instead labeling them as “victims” of deception.
Furthermore, during the live-streamed proceedings, the judge described Section 295C, the law on blasphemy against the Prophet (PBUH), as a law enacted by a “dictator,” openly indicating his view that he does not consider it legitimate.
Upon reviewing his verdict, it appears that the judge relied solely on the material provided by one party to conclude that “Rao Abdul Rahim Advocate, along with some associates and FIA officials, is running a ‘Blasphemy Business Gang.'” If the judge had ordered the registration of an FIR and the arrest of these individuals, there would have been less room for objection. However, instead of directing action against the alleged “business gang,” the judge ordered the formation of a commission to review all blasphemy cases registered in Pakistan anew.
As a result of the Islamabad High Court’s ruling, all blasphemy cases registered in Pakistan have now been rendered suspicious. Until the commission completes its proceedings, any arrests or convictions in these cases will not be considered morally or legally valid.
Surprisingly, while cases like the “Abdullah Shah murder case” and “Honey Trap Girl Iman” were heavily publicized on the High Court’s YouTube channel, the judge’s order made no mention of registering an FIR against individuals like “Rao Abdul Rahim Advocate” or “Komal Ismail,” nor did it call for reinvestigation by the police. Their names were neither blacklisted nor placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).
The court acknowledged the occurrence of “honey trapping” in a few cases but deemed no action necessary against the perpetrators. However, based on ten cases, it ordered a commission to review 667 cases. In other words, the court does not seem concerned about the alleged “Blasphemy Business Group” fleeing.
Can anyone explain why this is the case?