In a decision that has once again underscored the controversial nature of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, a court in Lahore sentenced a Muslim woman, Aasiya Bibi, to life imprisonment for allegedly burning pages of the Quran. This ruling has attracted international attention due to the severe implications of blasphemy allegations in the country, which can lead to life-threatening situations for the accused.
Government prosecutor Mohazib Awais confirmed that Bibi was arrested in 2021 after local residents accused her of desecrating the Islamic holy book. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, came despite Bibi’s denial of the charge throughout her trial. It’s important to note that Bibi retains the right to appeal against her sentence.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which can result in sentences as severe as the death penalty for anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or its religious figures, have long been a point of contention with international human rights groups. These groups argue that the laws are frequently misused to settle personal vendettas or to intimidate religious minorities.
Despite the fact that no death sentence for blasphemy has been carried out in Pakistan, the mere accusation can provoke violent riots. In a statement that echoes these concerns, a report from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom in 2023 mentioned that “religious minorities were subject to frequent attacks and threats, including accusations of blasphemy, targeted killings, lynchings, mob violence, forced conversions, sexual violence against women and girls, and desecration of houses of worship and cemeteries.”
This incident is not isolated. Earlier in March, a different court in the Punjab province found a 22-year-old student and a teenager guilty of insulting Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, sentencing one to death and the other to life imprisonment. These verdicts, along with the case of Aasiya Bibi, exemplify the ongoing challenges faced by individuals accused of blasphemy in Pakistan.
Relevant articles:
– Woman sentenced to life in prison by Pakistan court for burning pages from Islam’s holy book
– A Pakistani court sentences a woman to life in prison for burning pages from Islam’s holy book, KEYT, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:14:24 GMT
– Pakistan court sentences woman to life imprisonment for burning pages of Islam’s holy book, WION, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:28:26 GMT
– Pakistan court sentences woman to life imprisonment for burning pages of Quran, India TV News, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 11:29:16 GMT