Blasphemy Law and the Rights of Religious Minorities in Pakistan

Abstract

Minorities make up of 3% of the total population of Pakistan and for any society to progress and develop and to achieve its full potential, it is extremely important to give equal opportunities to everyone regardless of their religion and to involve everyone in the decision making process (A Study of Public Schools and Madrassas, 2011). Unfortunately, in Pakistan Religious Minorities 5 which include Hindus, Christians and Ahmedis have been marginalized and persecuted over the years and even been killed because of their religion (Hussain, 2012). In today’s age which is called the age of technology, Pakistan unfortunately is going back to medieval times where every person with an independent mind who holds different views or opinions is intimidated by those forces who monopolize religion for vested interest. Some are brutally killed by non-state actors in total violation of state law (Hoodbhoy 2012). Two recent incidents in this regard are those of the Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer and Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti who were both shot dead in broad daylight in Islamabad because they dared to raise their voice against those who were abusing the Blasphemy Laws and to malign the minorities and to create discord and instability within the society. Societies only prosper if all the members are given equal opportunities and no member is discriminated against on the basis of their religion, cast, creed or other ethnic or racial identities.