TV show host, four others booked on blasphemy charge

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

ISLAMABAD: A host of a morning show aired by a private TV channel has been booked with four other people on charges of blasphemy.

The case was registered at the Margalla police station on Wednesday on a complaint of the chairman of the Namoos-i-Risalat Forum, Rao Abdul Rahim.

Mr Rahim, a lawyer, said that in one of her programmes the host had staged fake marriage of two men and two women and misused a song honouring the wedding of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Bibi Fatima (RA).

He said a complaint against the suspects was lodged with the police station in June but they refused to register the FIR.

Later, a petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court.

The IHC ordered the police to register the case but they took months to do so, the complainant said.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2014

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Khalid

Oct 02, 2014 10:53am

My questions is, what is Namoos-i-Risalat Forum?. In a country with 98% Muslim population, why do we need this forum?.

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NHM

Oct 02, 2014 04:06pm

Its one of those cases, where you don't have any sympathy for the accuser or the accused. They both dramatized a situation , one for financial gains, the other for the sake of being relevant in messed up religious environment.

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Beena Siddiqui

Oct 02, 2014 04:52pm

TV channels were misusing their freedom...so somebody at some point has to give them all a REALITY CHECK. Because life is not only about only PAYMENT CHEQUES .

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Arjumand

Oct 02, 2014 04:58pm

Are we living in 21st century?

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Mehboob Khan

Oct 02, 2014 04:59pm

Nonsense - The country's resources are wasted in worthless, useless, meaningless and foolish cases.

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Ali Zaidi

Oct 02, 2014 05:06pm

Seriously Pakistan wake up and grow up. If we don't change these stupid and idiotic rules imposed by Zia, we are destined to destruction and our future will be just dark.

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raj shekhar

Oct 02, 2014 05:19pm

Excellent , some years ago there are so many worthless movements in India too. Main problem of both countries is poverty. Both governments must serious about this.

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Ahmed Khan

Oct 02, 2014 05:22pm

Its time these frivoulous cases and these out of context court orders be condemned. We are living in the 21st century. We are intelligent enough to understand that program was not derogatory.

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Naeem

Oct 02, 2014 05:25pm

Which Channel?

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haris

Oct 02, 2014 05:29pm

@NHM I back your comments.

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Amir Siddiqui

Oct 02, 2014 05:31pm

Allah and and prophets (pbuh) their dignity is beyond disrespect or blasphemy by an individual. The misuse of this law by jahils has caused more heinous crimes I.e. killing of human being, a routine matter in Pakistan. Those who understand the very basic of Islam realize that it is extremely unjustified.

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UnshacklePakistan

Oct 02, 2014 05:31pm

@Beena Siddiqui Change the channel instead of wasting time and money on courts. If people stop watching the incentive to dramatize will become reduced. Channels only make stuff that tries to gather maximum return. That comes via viewership. Using the laws to punish doesn't really seem so bad at the moment but in time same laws can be used against innocent people for harassment by enemies and government. @UnshacklePak

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vinay singh

Oct 02, 2014 05:53pm

When I hear about blasphemy rules than I really feel as if Pakistan is heading towards self destruction

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Sahib Sultan

Oct 02, 2014 06:04pm

Most pathetic law of the country being miss used by idiots. Also this article was completely useless at stating facts. What channel? who was booked?

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Hasan

Oct 02, 2014 06:05pm

For God's sakes people stop deciding who is a Muslim and who is not. It is only upto Go o o that.

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HADI SAKEY

Oct 02, 2014 06:09pm

@Khalid The Hudood Ordinance was made at the behest of Jamaat Islami. It has become a draconian law over a period of time. The General who issued the Ordinance was riding the crest of power via Islamization. This law is part of exploitation or Islamization is better known to the people of Pakistan.

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KRana

Oct 02, 2014 06:11pm

She will killed soon as earlier cases..growing Pakistan so called islamic republic

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Sanman

Oct 02, 2014 06:20pm

I am not understanding how come the belief of somebody will fall because of one word or sentence or visuals.Look like muslims beliefs in pakistan is like a bubble .it will perish ,if anybody said something. What a strange country & People !!! pakistan is a shame to the whole world.!!

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jameel

Oct 02, 2014 06:20pm

Its pure insanity, just like killing someone because he don't like blue color.

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Moby

Oct 02, 2014 06:25pm

Allah and his prophet do not need silly laws to defend them...pretending to defend allah or the prophet is the biggest blasphemy.

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Ron

Oct 02, 2014 06:28pm

Meanwhile, India was sending spacecraft to the moon and Mars. Shame on us for still living in the dark ages.

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Parvez

Oct 02, 2014 06:31pm

........and religion keeps imploding on itself.

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Sajid Ansari

Oct 02, 2014 06:31pm

This a new low for our system. Please show some deference and allow people to enjoy their wedding ceremony. We need to understand the concept of substance over form. Also, don't duel too much on the past, look at how people act on a going forward basis. Seems to me that these Namoos-i-Risalat folks get upset if people are happy.

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Feroz

Oct 02, 2014 06:36pm

Oh my God ! I could never imagine that the level of indoctrination runs so deep that it has contaminated the Judiciary and destroyed any and every hope for justice. Pakistan is doomed !

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javed qamer

Oct 02, 2014 06:53pm

Stop this blasphemy business. It is nothing but settling scores and victimizing innocent people.

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SKR

Oct 02, 2014 07:01pm

Pakistan is a country where every organ has failed miserably. It's supreme court orders FIR against PM for his statement made in Parliament ( he is constitutionaly immune to such proceedings). It's PM cowering against Army. PTP destroying its law and order well supported by IK. It is a doomed for utter disaster.

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Seedoo

Oct 02, 2014 07:03pm

@Beena Siddiqui Who are you to tell me what my thoughts and speech should be? Just because something is sacred to you, does not mean it has to be sacred to me. People like you practice in you face religion and it is sickening. It is time we get rid of this stupid law so that people can get on with their lives. If you don't like what's being shown on the television, pick up your remote and change the channel or better yet, press the "Off" button and do something worthwhile with your life, like helping the oppressed in your country. Muslims are very cult-minded people. They take old myths and get so attached to them as if they are facts and then point a gun to everyone who does not share their faith. Please learn and grow up!

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Dr Khwaja Ajmal Waheed

Oct 02, 2014 07:08pm

@Khalid alarming issue is not why we need this forum but is we still need this forum

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imran ali

Oct 02, 2014 07:11pm

any body can make fake form in the name of religion...

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Fahad

Oct 02, 2014 07:33pm

Once the case will start someone may try and kill that anchor without even waiting for the courts decision. Such a SHAME!

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Jasim Khan

Oct 02, 2014 07:36pm

@raj shekhar you have hit the nail in the head my friend!

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Ahmer

Oct 02, 2014 07:40pm

This had to happen. The TV channels were misusing the freedom.

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Whisky Khan

Oct 02, 2014 07:45pm

No where in the civilized world do people use religion as a means of weapons/vengeance against its believers. I see blasphemy as a curse by the muslims against muslims. Muslims should be matured enough to take criticism about its history. All history books are not the same

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joe

Oct 02, 2014 07:47pm

Police said the case had been registered under the Pakistan Penal Code’s section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 295C (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet – peace be upon him) and 298A (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of holy personages). Quote a single case filed against a MUSLIM for "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs." May be ONLY MINORITIES say some things against the majority communities faith..

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irfan

Oct 02, 2014 07:53pm

@NHM When someone is on a payroll of some other country or person or whatsoever, he or she becomes a nincompoop. These persons worked for JEW TV

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Somroo

Oct 02, 2014 07:53pm

There is a English newspaper(not Dawn) in Pakistan which continuously abuse prophet, The God and Pakistan in its blog. Nobody takes action???

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raisan

Oct 02, 2014 08:16pm

@vinay singh ---absolutely agree lot of talented follks are staying put and giving their talent to other countries because of hippocracy May the heavens save my beloved country from hippocrates

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Rao

Oct 02, 2014 08:32pm

@Arjumand A large number of Pakistani are living physically living in 21st century , but with a mind set of 7th century!

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Aleem

Oct 02, 2014 08:41pm

Had the prophet of Islam, Muhammad SAW, been around now, he himself would berate these people for making an issue out of Namoos-e-risalat. Due to Namoos-e-risalat, one cannot even discuss the companions of the prophet, let alone the prophet SAW himself without fear of being booked on charges of blasphemy. Without such discussions, Islam will become nothing but something that is learned via rote in this country. There is absolutely no logic and sense in this Namoos-e-risalat law in the way its being allowed to be wielded by the mob. People are getting into trouble for insulting a neighbour who happens to have a name similar to prophet Muhammad's SAW or of one of his companions. When will this madness stop? This instrument used by chatti jamaat pass mullahs to maintain their influence over the masses has to come to an end.

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javed qamer

Oct 02, 2014 09:00pm

Blasphemy law is an aberration and should be repealed. It is interesting TO NOTE that our indian friends from across the border leave no stone unturned to bad mouth pakistan. All the poisonous and vitriolic comments that you will see on this article are by indians.

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Ali

Oct 02, 2014 09:03pm

There is no use of the case. Totally time waste . ISALM is the religion of tulorenc, forgiveness, kindness and wisdoms. Show the rignt image of Islam to the world.

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Shagufta

Oct 02, 2014 09:12pm

Repeal 295A and 295C.

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TheMonk

Oct 02, 2014 09:33pm

Yet you want the rest of the world to believe that Islam is a religion of peace! Why is there such an obsession with shedding blood, whether it belongs to man or beast?

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Pragmatist

Oct 02, 2014 09:34pm

Blasphemy case should be registered against Rao Abdul Rahim as he himself does not know what Namoos-i-Risalat is.

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saeeds

Oct 02, 2014 09:36pm

these cases can stop if someone get rid of Chairman and lawyer similar way.

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LATIF

Oct 02, 2014 09:45pm

I think the people and courts have not grown up to the level where one can say that nation has evolved. Taking people to court for petty cases is waste of time. Once we have a nation of grown up people we will have no excuse to create such things and waste energy.

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HAIDER

Oct 02, 2014 09:46pm

What a abuse of law. Where people want just to be done before hearing the case.

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Kiwi

Oct 02, 2014 09:58pm

Is it still going on? Hairat hay.

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Jawwad

Oct 02, 2014 10:12pm

Meanwhile, India recently a probe to Mars atmosphere for merely $75 million dollars.

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allaisa

Oct 02, 2014 10:25pm

@Beena Siddiqui Never heard of the remote? If you dont like what is shown on the channel, just change it. No reason to impose your puritanical ideas on others.

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Sohail

Oct 02, 2014 10:45pm

This law was imposed by Military Dictator in 1980s era. There is no solid basis of this law in Islam. Religious scholars should step up to amend this law.

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syed

Oct 02, 2014 11:04pm

@NHM wrong is wrong . I dont know if its blasphemy, but we should restrain from trivialising prophets family though with reverance. Misguided one.

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syed

Oct 02, 2014 11:05pm

@Khalid look into urdu dictionary.

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syed

Oct 02, 2014 11:07pm

@Arjumand No dark perid.

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syed

Oct 02, 2014 11:10pm

@Ali Zaidi you are hiding behind Zia,

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JAMIL A SATTI

Oct 02, 2014 11:24pm

@Ron It has nothing to do with Technology. It's a religious matter. It is a law and citizens have to follow but nobody should be victimized by using this law. Courts should take be responsibility to explore the situation and give verdict.

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JAMIL A SATTI

Oct 02, 2014 11:30pm

@vinay singh Mr. Singh, Rule is not bad but the usage can be right or wrong. It's like a rule of grenade operation. Don't take the pin out, otherwise it will explode. If someone hold it takes the pin out then should not blame the instruction rules but himself. Therefore, if we stay away from such happenings then nothing wrong with rule. Courts should look into the matter and then decide.

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syed

Oct 02, 2014 11:31pm

@Jawwad migrate to that country.

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bkt

Oct 03, 2014 12:30am

@Aleem > All of these discussions are based on ignorance. The learned judges should have referred the case to the Federal Shariat courts who at least know what the Islamic law requires. This is an aberration of Justice where learned persons of Legal standing make questionable judgments instead of referring the cases to those with the wherewithal to pass judgment.

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Syed Ahmed

Oct 03, 2014 01:09am

@Dr Khwaja Ajmal Waheed is we what kind of English is this, I think it's oversight.

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Syed Ahmed

Oct 03, 2014 01:15am

@vinay singh I wish your concern has some sincerity.

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NotPakistani

Oct 03, 2014 03:12am

@Arjumand Nope.

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Ahmer

Oct 03, 2014 03:21am

Freedom of speech does not include freedom to injure peoples religious feelings. Moreover, a law is a law and must be implemented with full diligence so long as it remains on the statute book.

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faisal

Oct 03, 2014 03:23am

@Arjumand Apparently not.

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Tahera

Oct 03, 2014 03:57am

@ Ms. Beena Siddiqui, there we go, your statement shows it is more about getting even, about well lets show them what we can do, lets give them a 'reality check' than about seriously hurt sentiments, its more about the ego of the accuser than about anything else, simply vicious! and that is what shows the utter abuse of this law!! That you will agree with this action is rather obvious though, after all you think that making a documentary about the plight of rape victims is defaming Pakistan instead of finding words of criticism for the malfunctioning reaction of society and justice sytem, the real defamation of Pakistan, atleast in my opinion!

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Azhar Shah

Oct 03, 2014 04:19am

@Beena Siddiqui "TV channels were misusing their freedom..." So stop watching them, if nobody sees the show they will cancel the show. ".....so somebody at some point has to give them all a REALITY CHECK......." By putting them in Jail and spending thousands of Rupees which can be better spent for people within Pakistan. You can do it where it hurts the most, their pockets, stop watching that channel. Mr. Amir Siddiqui is right when he says "Allah and prophets (pbuh) their dignity is beyond disrespect or blasphemy by an individual."

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kumar

Oct 03, 2014 05:06am

@bkt Why do you need parallel court system (Shariat)? What happens if some one is not a Muslim?

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You think

Oct 03, 2014 05:07am

How long before they get qadrified ?

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kumar

Oct 03, 2014 05:11am

@Ahmer How come this law is not applied when minorities are subject to violence and place of worship are destroyed. Have you ever seen any one ever been arrested or prosecuted?

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Whistle

Oct 03, 2014 05:29am

True example of 'attention to detail'

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fawwad chaudhry

Oct 03, 2014 07:26am

All the peoples involved should face the consequences for what they did....

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Ahmer

Oct 03, 2014 09:05am

@kumar Pakistan is an Islamic country and the laws have to reflect that fact.

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Ayaz

Oct 03, 2014 09:55am

No respect for life ... Pakistan has become a jungle ... Those who can get out and settle else are going to be the only winners ....

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Sunil

Oct 03, 2014 11:29am

Can the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God be slandered? Blasphemy is figment of imagination of those who do not believe in ultimate glory of God.

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Raja Farhat Abbas

Oct 03, 2014 03:28pm

@KRana If you don't like us why do you come here,stay away .

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jen

Oct 03, 2014 03:37pm

There are various movements in India which burn the effigies of reverred gods like rama, krishna, ganesh etc but you know what the hindus do? They simply ignore those who do this. In lots of public street meetings, they scream and abuse all gods but hindus ignore them with a magnaminous smile. That is how faith should be practised. I think muslims have a deep fear inside that they may convert to other religion if they start listening or reading or hearing what people of other faiths say. Blasphemy law is borne out of one such deep fear of insecurity. Pakistanis still have not realised how nations are built. Trying to behave like saudi arabia without any oil.....is possible only when insanity has touched its peak.

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Z khan

Oct 03, 2014 03:56pm

@Khalid to protect Allah, His messenger, His books, and His angels from insult and injury.

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Z khan

Oct 03, 2014 03:57pm

@Beena Siddiqui and who died and made you queen? You do not get to choose how others live their lives.

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Z khan

Oct 03, 2014 03:59pm

@Amir Siddiqui and where are those people? They should be camping out in Islamabad demanding to repeal the law.

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Z khan

Oct 03, 2014 04:00pm

@HADI SAKEY you are committing blasphemy by simply stating that.

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Z khan

Oct 03, 2014 04:02pm

@jameel no, but if you disliked white or black that would blasphemy.

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Mohibullah Khan

Oct 03, 2014 07:55pm

There are symptoms in Pakistan of the decease existing in Syria, Iraq, Libya. Western countries and surrounding Arab countries fighting this menace but such cooperation will not come to Pakistan to save it.

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INDOARYAN

Oct 03, 2014 08:13pm

This level of hypersensitivity about Islam is surely unhealthy where people are afraid to offer even normal prayers in case some one finds it blasphemous .In Pakistan If a non Muslim passes a mosque without bowing his head , his head could be chopped off for showing disrespect to Allah. The question is would the same be true for a non Muslim in India ?

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