The law of Blasphemy is the stringent one in Pakistan, allegations of Blasphemy aren’t something to be taken lightly in Pakistan, people have been assassinated over the accusations of blasphemy before even going through a trial. If we look into the history of this law, this law dates back to pre-partition India when it was introduced in 1860, this was meant to protect the feelings and religious sentiments of people belonging to any religion. Pakistan inherited this law when it came into being in 1947, it was later amended in the military rule under General Zia ul Haq, who brought up two more sections into this law which included the death penalty on defamation of the Prophet Muhammad and life imprisonment on defaming the Quran. Following are some points which everyone in Pakistan should know :

. Only around a dozen cases were reported prior to the amendment of this law in 1986 according to Centre for Research and Security Studies.

. Around 1300 cases have been reported since the amendments.

. Most of the cases reported were against Non-Muslims.

. Most of the cases have been found to be filed to settle personal and financial disputes.

. At least 65 people have been murdered in Pakistan after being accused of blasphemy since 1986 according to a recent think tank report.

. It is non-bailable offence.

The law of Blasphemy is being misused to settle personal scores and gain control and power by the strong and religious leadership, it is now time that we realise that this law is the most abused law in Pakistan. There are many people who were accused of Blasphemy and evidence weren’t enough to prove them guilty but are still in prison for years because no judge is willing to give a judgment in favour of the accused due to the societal and religious pressure and transfers the case to another judge. Junaid Hafeez, a university professor was accused of alleged Blasphemy has been in prison since more than 5 years because the judge transfers his case to another judge.

Asia Bibi who was also falsely accused of Blasphemy to settle a personal dispute has been rotting in prison for more than 7 years, there are many more examples of the people who have been falsely accused and their lives have been ruined, is this not injustice? Is this not the time that the State of Pakistan revisit this law and make some changes if not remove it so that it cannot be abused by people who wants to control minorities and others who do not agree with them.