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Pakistan Abolishes Blasphemy-Related Laws After Brutal Killing

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, March 24th 2026 at 19:05 GMT by The Telegraph
      Locale: EGYPT

Islamabad, Pakistan - March 24th, 2026 - In a landmark decision poised to reshape the legal landscape of Pakistan, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has formally abolished sections 10 and 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code - laws that previously criminalized disrespect and defamation, and were frequently leveraged in accusations of blasphemy. The move, announced earlier today, follows a particularly gruesome incident in Punjab province where a man was brutally murdered after being falsely accused of blasphemy, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in these contentious laws.

For years, human rights organizations have decried sections 10 and 298-C as overly broad, vaguely worded, and susceptible to abuse. These laws effectively allowed for the prosecution of individuals based on perceived insults or defamation, often lacking concrete evidence and opening the door to malicious accusations motivated by personal vendettas or sectarian bias. The repercussions were severe; accusations, even unsubstantiated ones, often triggered immediate social ostracization, mob violence, and even extrajudicial killings - as tragically demonstrated last week.

The repealed laws lacked clear definitions of "disrespect" and "defamation," leaving them open to subjective interpretation. This ambiguity allowed individuals to exploit the legal system to silence dissent, target religious minorities, and settle scores. Critics pointed out that these laws were consistently used disproportionately against vulnerable communities, particularly Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadi Muslims, fostering an environment of fear and insecurity.

"This is a momentous step towards safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms in Pakistan," stated Ayesha Khan, director of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, in a press conference following the announcement. "The abolition of these archaic laws removes a significant tool for persecution and sends a clear message that the state will no longer tolerate the abuse of legal provisions to incite hatred and violence."

However, while welcoming the repeal, human rights groups are urging caution and emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and broader legal reforms. Concerns remain that other existing laws, such as sections 295-B and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code which directly address blasphemy and carry the death penalty, could still be used to target individuals based on their religious beliefs or expression. These laws remain in effect and continue to present significant challenges to freedom of speech and religious liberty.

Furthermore, analysts suggest that simply removing sections 10 and 298-C addresses only the symptoms of a deeper societal problem: pervasive religious intolerance and a lack of robust due process. Addressing the root causes requires a multi-faceted approach, including educational reforms promoting tolerance and critical thinking, strengthening the judicial system to ensure fair trials and protect the accused, and fostering a culture of respect for diversity and dissenting opinions.

The recent incident in Punjab has reignited the debate about the implementation and enforcement of blasphemy laws. Witnesses reported that a mob stormed the man's home after rumors of blasphemy circulated on social media. Despite his pleas of innocence, he was brutally beaten and killed before police could intervene. The incident highlighted the speed with which accusations can escalate into violence and the inadequacy of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals.

The government has pledged to launch a comprehensive review of existing blasphemy laws and explore potential amendments to ensure they align with international human rights standards. This review is expected to involve consultations with religious scholars, legal experts, and civil society organizations. Several legal experts are proposing the introduction of stricter penalties for false accusations, alongside safeguards to protect the rights of the accused.

The international community has largely welcomed the repeal of sections 10 and 298-C, with many governments offering support for Pakistan's efforts to promote religious freedom and protect human rights. However, they have also stressed the importance of addressing the remaining challenges and ensuring that the repeal is not merely a symbolic gesture.

The coming months will be critical in determining whether Pakistan's move to abolish these 'non-crime' hate laws will truly herald a new era of tolerance and justice, or if it will prove to be a limited reform overshadowed by the continued threat of religious extremism and the misuse of remaining laws.