CSOs Demand Judicial Inquiry into Blasphemy Law Misuse

News Desk

Lahore, Pakistan — June 8, 2024

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have urged the Punjab government to ensure justice for the perpetrators involved in the lynching of elderly Nazir Masih. The CSOs emphasized the necessity of a transparent and independent investigation, free from external pressures.

Following the ransacking of their houses and the shoe warehouse, the Punjab government has been called upon to compensate and protect Masih’s family to ensure their safe return. Additionally, the CSOs demanded a concrete policy and strategy to control provocative announcements in mosques, which often led to mob violence.

The demands were made during a peaceful demonstration held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chairing Cross, opposite Punjab Assembly, the Mall, Lahore. The demonstration saw participation from a wide array of individuals, including lawyers, religious leaders, scholars, parliamentarians, community leaders, youth leaders, students, and teachers.

Protesters called for the swift trial of those responsible for the Jaranwala and Sargodha tragedies and other similar cases. They also urged the formation of a judicial inquiry committee to investigate incidents of mob justice from Shanti Nagar to Mujahid Colony Sargodha and to push for legislation preventing the misuse of blasphemy laws.

Bishop Dr. Azad Marshall, Moderator of the Church of Pakistan, has also voiced deep sorrow over the recent violent deaths of Nazeer Masih and others targeted by religiously motivated mob violence. In his message on the microblogging site X, he calls for urgent action and accountability to prevent further tragedies.

“Our hearts ache in sadness and tears flow for Nazeer Masih and all victims of senseless mob violence in the name of religion. The state’s silence to our pleas for justice is deafening! How many more innocent lives will it take to awaken those entrusted with protecting the vulnerable? Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees protection and justice for all, yet our minorities continue to suffer. Incidents like Jaranwala and Sargodha will persist unless perpetrators face justice and authorities uphold the rule of law”.

Sajid Christopher, Executive Director of the Human Friends Organization (HFO), highlighted the ongoing persecution faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. “Nazir Masih’s death is a stark reminder of the persecution faced by religious minorities. We must unite to demand justice and ensure such tragedies do not happen again,” he said.

Sharon Shamir, Coordinator of the Legal Department at HFO, added, “We stand together to honor Nazir Masih and call for justice and protection for all religious minorities. This peaceful protest is a step towards ensuring that such tragic incidents are not repeated and that every individual, regardless of their faith, can live without fear.”

Peter Jacob, Chairperson of the Peoples Commission for Minorities Rights (PCMR), called for the formation of a judicial inquiry commission under the Inquiry Commission Act of 1956 to investigate blasphemy cases. He also urged upgrading police Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to effectively deal with mob attackers and advocated for banning electronic and social media coverage of extremist religious organizations.

Samson Salamat, Chairman of Rawadari Tehreek, supported the ban on extremist religious outfits involved in instigating violence against religious minorities under the pretext of blasphemy laws. He emphasized the need for new legislation to criminalize false and fabricated blasphemy allegations and called for an independent inquiry into all blasphemy incidents from Shanti Nagar to Mujahid Colony Sargodha. Salamat also stressed the importance of a speedy trial for the culprits of the Jaranwala and Sargodha tragedies.

Asher Sarfraz, Chief Executive Director of Christians True Spirit (CTS), and Katherine Sapna, Director of CTS, condemned the lynching of Nazir Masih, describing it as a heinous and cowardly act. “Every individual has the right to life and security regardless of their religion or belief. CTS demands a fair and speedy trial in the Nazir lynching case,” they stated.

Eiga Kenny from the Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) called for a fair and transparent investigation into the incident leading to the lynching of Nazir Masih. She urged the state to ensure compensation for the affected family for their property loss.

Naumana Suleman, Founding Chairperson of the Minority Women Forum (MWF), demanded justice for Nazir Masih and compensation for the property loss suffered by his family. “Immediate and comprehensive actions are needed to bring all the culprits to justice. The Christian community awaits legislation to prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws,” she said.

James Rehmat, Executive Director of the Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD), reminded authorities of the need for a special police force to protect places of worship, in line with a landmark 2014 Supreme Court judgment. He advocated for specialized training for police officers in riot control, crowd management, and de-escalation techniques, as well as the creation of rapid response teams to prevent escalation into mob violence. Rehmat also emphasized the importance of utilizing intelligence networks to monitor potential flashpoints and social media for signs of incitement. “The safety and legal rights of those accused of blasphemy, including secure detention and fair trials, must be ensured. It is the responsibility of the majority to protect the minority,” he concluded.

The demonstration concluded with a candlelight vigil in tribute to Nazir Masih, whose sacrifice has become a powerful symbol for the Christian community in Pakistan.

The following organizations participated in the demonstration: Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), Peoples Commission for Minorities Rights (PCMR), Christians True Spirit (CTS), National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), Youth Development Foundation (YDF), Human Friends Organization (HFO), Rawadari Tehreek, Ecumenical Commission for Human Development (ECHD), AGHS Legal Aid Cell, and Minority Women Forum (MWF).

The demonstration was attended by prominent figures, including Bishop Leo Roderick Paul of the Multan Diocese (Church of Pakistan), Rev. Dr. Majeed Abel, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, and Bishop Abraham Daniel from Sahiwal. Additionally, Muslim religious scholars such as Allama Asim Makhdoom, Prof. Mehmood Ghaznavi, Dr. Baddar Munir, and Allama Arif Chishti stood in solidarity with the Christian community for this cause.