In Rawalpindi, a court has sentenced four men to death for allegedly sharing blasphemous content online concerning the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Quran. The judgment, delivered on January 24, 2025, also includes life imprisonment under Section 295B of the Pakistan Penal Code for defiling the Holy Quran, and a 10-year term under Section 295A for actions intended to insult religious beliefs. The sentences are set to run concurrently.
The prosecution, represented by Rao Abdur Raheem from the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan, emphasized that forensic evidence from the defendants’ devices supported the case. The four individuals were initially charged in October 2022 under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
A member of a support group formed by the families of the accused confirmed the sentences and indicated plans to challenge the convictions. The individual expressed concerns about the increasing number of such cases and urged the government to establish a commission to investigate this trend, highlighting the potential long-term impact on the accused individuals’ lives.
Blasphemy remains a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, often leading to public outrage and, in some instances, mob violence. Even unverified accusations can result in severe consequences, underscoring the contentious nature of blasphemy laws in the country.
