News Desk
Gojra, Punjab, December 2024:
A Christian woman, Shazia Younis, has been arrested under Section 295-B of Pakistan’s Penal Code, accused of desecrating Islamic scriptures. The incident, which occurred during the Christmas season, has sparked concerns over the potential misuse of the country’s blasphemy laws, particularly against minority communities.
The complaint against Shazia was filed by Atta Ul Mustafa, a local mosque leader, who alleged that she burned materials containing Quranic verses outside her home. The First Information Report (FIR) states that two witnesses, Muhammad Imran and Rab Nawaz, informed Mustafa of the incident. Shazia was subsequently arrested and placed in judicial custody.
Shazia’s lawyer, Mr. Matto, has confirmed that during the investigation, she was found innocent of intentional wrongdoing. Shazia expressed regret for her actions, describing them as unintentional. Despite this, her arrest and the swift filing of charges have raised questions about due process and the handling of blasphemy allegations in Pakistan.
Shazia’s husband and two sons have reportedly gone into hiding, fearing for their safety amid heightened tensions.
Human rights organizations and legal experts have voiced alarm over the case. Joseph Jansen, Chairperson of Voice for Justice, criticized the incident, stating, “This reflects the ongoing misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which often serve as tools of persecution rather than justice. Minority communities live under constant fear, knowing how easily these laws can be weaponized against them.”
Shazia’s case echoes similar incidents, including that of Shagufta Kiran, a Christian nurse arrested in 2021 on accusations of sharing religiously derogatory content on social media. In September 2024, Shagufta was sentenced to death under Section 295-C of the Penal Code and given seven years of imprisonment under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
“These cases highlight the deep flaws in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which lack safeguards against false accusations,” Jansen said.
“The involvement of anti-terrorism courts and misuse of cybercrime investigations exacerbate the problem, often leading to unjust outcomes.”, Jansen added
Shagufta’s case has drawn international attention, with calls from American lawmakers for President Biden to advocate for her release, claims Jansen
International organizations, including the United Nations, have consistently urged Pakistan to reform its blasphemy laws. Critics argue that the vague definitions and lack of procedural safeguards within these laws often lead to false accusations, mob violence, and disproportionate impacts on religious minorities and marginalized groups.
Joseph Jansen emphasized the need for legal reform, saying, “Pakistan must ensure fair trials by investigating the misuse of authority and transferring such cases to regular courts with proper safeguards for justice.”