Pakistan: Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, has strongly condemned Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, calling them “a sword in the hands of Islamists”—used not only to spread fear, silence critics, and undermine justice, but also to perpetrate violence, including killings, arson, and attacks on homes. He warned these laws now threaten the lives and rights of critics, dissidents, and religious minorities.

Gill stated that while respect for religion should be protected under Section 295-A, the provisions under Sections 295-B and 295-C have become instruments of persecution, frequently abused against Christians and other minorities. “These laws are no longer about protecting faith,” he said. “They have become tools to persecute, intimidate, and harm anyone who speaks out against injustice.”

He called for the repeal of these deadly laws to prevent ongoing abuse, noting they are exploited by extremists for personal, political, and sectarian agendas, often without evidence or fair trials. Allegations alone can trigger mob violence, detention, social ostracization, and destruction of livelihoods.

LEAD Ministries condemned the recent cancellation of a press conference in Pakistan by families affected by blasphemy accusations, calling it a sign of a broader pattern of suppression. “Silencing victims deepens fear, reinforces impunity, and erodes trust in state institutions,” Gill said.

A dangerous dimension involves the “blasphemy business group”, which entraps hundreds in fabricated cases. Several #NCCIA officials implicated in corruption have reportedly facilitated the network. This gang engages in honey-trapping, extortion, kidnapping, torture, the murder of innocent people, and other serious human rights violations. LEAD Ministries is requesting the international community and authorities to intervene and save millions of innocent lives that are being ruined by honey-trapping through the blasphemy business in Pakistan.

Gill warned that extremist pressure on public discourse and legal outcomes undermines democracy and the rule of law. “Repealing these laws is not an attack on religion. It is necessary to protect innocent lives and restore confidence in justice,” he said.

Human rights defenders continue to demand clearer legal definitions, strict penalties for false accusations, and protections for judges, lawyers, journalists, and the accused. Until repeal and safeguards are introduced, Gill stressed, blasphemy blasphemy laws will remain weapons, not shields, persecuting and harming innocent people.