News Desk
June 15, 2025 – Lahore
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are being exploited to target religious minorities and the poor for land grabs, forced evictions, and personal vendettas, according to a new report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on June 8. The report, titled “A Conspiracy to Grab the Land: Exploiting Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws for Blackmail and Profit,” highlights widespread misuse of the laws for economic gain and outlines systemic failures in government response.
The 29-page report documents how false or exaggerated blasphemy allegations have led to mob violence, forced displacement, and long-term insecurity for accused individuals and their communities. HRW said that the laws are frequently used to intimidate and dispossess vulnerable populations, particularly religious minorities such as Christians and Ahmadis, many of whom live in informal settlements without legal land ownership.
“Blasphemy accusations are being weaponized to blackmail rivals, settle personal scores, and attack marginalized communities,” said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The failure of authorities to prosecute incitement and violence has only emboldened those using these laws for personal gain.”
The organization conducted interviews with 14 individuals accused of blasphemy, as well as legal professionals, human rights activists, journalists, and officials across five districts—Lahore, Gujranwala, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Islamabad—between May 2024 and January 2025.
Though Pakistan’s laws prescribe the death penalty for blasphemy, no executions have occurred. However, even an accusation can lead to lethal consequences. Over the past decade, dozens of people have been killed in mob attacks following such allegations.
The report notes that businesses owned by religious minorities are especially vulnerable, with some targeted through blasphemy claims in commercial disputes. In several documented cases, entire communities were forced to flee, leaving their homes and possessions at risk of seizure.
HRW criticized the justice system for what it described as entrenched bias, lack of due process, and failure to hold perpetrators of mob violence accountable. Police have often failed to protect victims or pursue those responsible, especially when attackers are backed by religious or political figures.
The organization also urged the government to investigate incidents of violence and displacement linked to blasphemy allegations, and to implement safeguards against the coerced transfer of property from the accused.
“The authorities inaction is discriminatory and violates fundamental human rights,” Gossman added. “Until the state takes serious steps to address the abuse of these laws, religious minorities in Pakistan will continue to live in fear.”
The full report is available on the Human Rights Watch website in English and other languages.