London: (By Nasir Saeed) Another blasphemy incident has occurred in the district of Sargodha, Chak no 50, Mariam Town, early morning on July 16th, sending shockwaves throughout the country. This disturbing incident has ignited unrest in the area, leaving Christians deeply concerned for their safety.

Mohd Abdul Gaffar, a retired Pakistan Air Force officer from Green Town, reported that as he was returning home after offering his Fajr prayer (Morning Prayer) along with Qari Muhammad Asif, Imam of the local Mosque Gulzar Habib of Green Town and Ashfaq Ahmad, he discovered a small pamphlet containing blasphemous content on his house boundary wall. The contents of the pamphlet were highly disrespectful towards Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and other revered figures. Shockingly, it also contained derogatory comments against the holy Quran and even praised the recent burning of the Quran in Sweden. Disturbing sketches targeting revered personalities were found as well.

News of the incident spread rapidly in the area, drawing people from far and wide to gather at the location. Outraged and charged, the crowd expressed their anger and frustration, demanding severe punishment for the blasphemer, chanting slogans "gustakh-e-Rasool ki ek hi saza, sar tan se juda sar tan se juda" (The punishment for insulting the Prophet is the separation of the head from the body) as the only suitable punishment for blasphemy.

As time passed, tensions continued to escalate, roads were blocked, and the community demanded swift action and the registration of a case against the blasphemer. Soon afterwards, the police arrived at the scene to calm down the crowd and bring the situation under control. In compliance with the Muslim community's demand, an FIR was registered against unknown individuals under blasphemy sections 295A, 295B, 295c, and 298A.

It is crucial to note that there are several Christian towns in the neighbouring areas, with a Christian population of approximately 4000-5000 individuals. Although the police intervention prevented an immediate attack on Christians, fear still permeates the community. This incident marks the third case of blasphemy in the Sargodha district.

The identity of the perpetrators behind the recent incident remains unknown, although some Muslims believe Christians are responsible.

In response to the situation, the police have decided to maintain a presence in the area to prevent potential attacks on Christian households.

Expressing grave concern, Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, highlighted the escalating situation in Pakistan, particularly in Sargodha, where this third blasphemy incident happened. Haroon Shahzad, a Christian man from Chak no 49, was previously granted bail but recently had his bail revoked due to objectionable content on his Facebook. Furthermore, in Chak no 98 of the same district, another Christian man, Zaki Masih, was charged under blasphemy law section 295A for allegedly posting blasphemous content.

 “The unknown identities of the culprits are cause for alarm, and it is unfortunate that fingers are being pointed towards Christians”, Saeed said.

 He emphasised that Christians are fully aware of the severe consequences associated with such acts.

They still remember past incidents, including those in Shanti Nagar, Joseph Colony, Gojra, and Korain, where several people were murdered and burnt alive, while dozens of Christians are still languishing in prison, awaiting their fate. It is worth noting that all those accused of committing blasphemy were eventually proven innocent and freed by the court.

Saeed further said that in the recent incident of the burning of the Quran in Sweden, Christians have condemned the act and consistently stood in solidarity with their Muslim brethren.

It is believed that certain individuals are exploiting the incident of the Quran burning in Sweden as an excuse to seek revenge against local Christians, who are peaceful, believe in the respect of all religions, and have no connection to this incident. They have unequivocally condemned it. Regrettably, some elements within the country aim to fuel the flames of hatred, taking advantage of such situations. The infamous case of Rimsha Masih reminder us how local imam Hafiz Mohammed Khalid Chishti fabricated fake cases against Christians with the intention of driving them out of their communities.

The deepening situation raises significant concerns, necessitating a serious response from the government to restore peace and harmony in the country. It is crucial for the government to take necessary steps to stop the ongoing misuse of the blasphemy law against Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan.

295-A:  Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.--Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings, of any class of the citizens of Pakistan, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to (Ten) years, or with fine or with both.

 295-B: Defiling etc., of copy of Holy Qur'an.--Whoever wilfully defiles, damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy Qur'an or of an extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for any unlawful purpose shall be punishable with imprisonment for life.

 Section 295C forbids insults to “the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.” The minimum penalty is a mandatory life sentence; the maximum penalty is death. In 1990, Pakistan's Federal Shariah Court ruled that the death penalty should be mandatory.

 In section 298-A of Pakistan Penal Code, the punishment against the person who disrespects the wives, family and Companions of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), imprisonment of with minimum three years period along with a nominal penalty while this is a bailable crime.

 About CLAAS:

Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) is an interdenominational organisation working for Christians who are being persecuted because of their faith in Pakistan. CLAAS works for religious freedom, to stop persecution of Christians in Pakistan because of blasphemy and other discriminatory laws, raise awareness, disseminate information and highlight the plight of Christians on an international level. CLAAS provides free legal aid to victims of religious intolerance in Pakistan, as well as shelter and financial support for the victims and their families.