Misuse of Blasphemy Law in Pakistan

Abstract

Every psychologist agrees on the fact that words hurt a person more than stones and sticks, and no words can hurt a person more than the words which disrespect or insult his religion, or anything related to his religion. Such insulting words are called blasphemy and almost all the states around the globe have made blasphemy laws to stop people from disrespecting or insulting other people's faith. Pakistan also has anti-blasphemy laws (chapter XV of PPC) according to which blasphemy is a very serious criminal offence the punishment of which is either death penalty or life imprisonment. The objective of these laws is to stop people from insulting other people's religion because it can lead to violence and disturb order and peace of the society. But unfortunately, people have started using these laws for personal gains by levelling false accusations of blasphemy against innocent people as a result of which many innocent people suffer irreparable loss. This study discusses the questions raised on the present anti- blasphemy laws whether they are effective or need to be amended because the purpose of these laws was to decrease blasphemy cases which are rather increasing. It also tries to examine whether or not these laws are only being used against minorities.