Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that blasphemy is an unpardonable offence and directed the state machinery to find those responsible for putting blasphemous content on social media and bring them to justice without any delay.
According to a statement released on Twitter by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz official account, the prime minister directed the authorities to remove the blasphemous content from social media and to take measures to ensure that any such content is not posted in future.
Know more: ‘Is criticising blasphemy laws blasphemous’
“The blasphemous content on social media is a nefarious conspiracy to hurt the religious sentiments of entire Muslim ummah,” Nawaz was quoted as saying.
“The matter has already been taken by the judiciary,” said Nawaz, and ordered to take necessary actions in accordance with the judicial guidelines in this regard.
Furthermore, he also issued directions to ensure the accountability of those who misuse the blasphemy law for their personal interests.
"Love and affection of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the most precious asset for every Muslim," said Nawaz Sharif.
Nawaz also directed the authorities to approach international social media platforms to put the blasphemous content off the internet.
The premier directed Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to take all necessary measures against blasphemous content on social media and bring the culprits to justice immediately.
Nawaz urged the minister to completely uproot this heinous crime and sought daily reports on developments in this regard.
NA passes resolution against blasphemous content
The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution condemning the blasphemous content appearing on social media and unanimously agreed to the formation of a committee of parliamentary leaders to monitor such content.
The lower house also agreed that, if required, the government should take legislative action against those posting blasphemous content on social media.
Comments (47) Closed
Freedom of speech does not equals Hate Speech
Mr. PM why don't you simple admit that your government cannot provide the desired leadership to this country despite 3+ decades of experience....from Local Bodies Elections to Karachi operation to Census conducting to taking action against blasphemous content etc its all the Honorable Courts' orders you are compelled to follow....lets please be more truthful about things for a change
There are multiple social websites, how many can you stop or block.
Ban all Social Media in Pakistan. Pakistan is no place for social media.
Good gesture Mr PM, well done. One question though, why you have only CM of Punjab sat next to you when you make such important announcements? Such gestures only creates insecurity in other less rich provinces. Are other provinces not important? Why CMs of other provinces not invited?
@Sunil Their main purpose is to block social media from Pakistan entirely, not just the content.
Well done PM. Not ur supporter or voter but will back u on this one till end. InshaAllah. give severe punishment to all those involved.
Pakistan is moving in right direction.
This is matter of education. Let us teach our people on decency and tolerance.
Not often I see eye to eye with Nawaz Sharif's administration, but this time I have to say- I agree with you Nawaz!
Good. But, there must be some security safeguards need to be established and introduced to stop usual circumscription.
It is lame excuse that nothing can be done to stop this social media mis-use. Just need will and this thing can be deal in appropriate way. Problem is PM after so many days after and many times being pointed toward this issue now officially release a twitter message. This shows how PM and state is genuinely sincere in curbing this madness.
Keep it up Pakistan .....keep yourself busy with this.
Have you ever heard about pm solving basic issues like water electricity etc...coz these thinngs are easily said than done.
One step front and two step back. The story of Pakistani religious tolerance.
This is just an excuse to shut down social media which are brimming with Panama info.
@Sunil : There are multiple social websites, how many can you stop or block.
Ban internet in Pakistan.
indeed an appreciable and courageous step.
That is definitely being secular and guarding freedom of speech. Kudos to nawab's govt.
Thank you Mr. PM. Can you please also direct the state machinery to go after those who do corruption? Just saying.
Is this priority?. What about education, health, housing etc??
Its a late decission but still good that the govt and state machinery is working on ot now. Insult of our religion is not acceptable.
@fakim khan , This is emotional instrument, best suited to divert public attention, so that people forget other real issues:)) Please cooperate and forget issues like corruption.
Well done you are truly one of the great leader. And what you have done is just commendable. Respect
Only once the PM or CM orders something does the government machinery move! Law should take its course regardless.
@Vicky Yes I have and i do recall the relief we experienced after the change of government. The loadsgedding situation is much better than the 12hrs on and 12hrs off regime we saw during the PPP and Mushrarf governments
What took him so much time to order this?
@fakim khan The things you mention have value but this has more a priority than any of those things.
@vikas Well advised.
the orders for the removal were only issued because this was highlighted by the MEDIA ON 13/03/17. NS you should have done it much earlier, anyhow, you have now done it
Too little too late.
Everyday terabytes of data is generated is around the world. Can we scan all the data and block it?. The answer is NO. Because I am sure there will be thousands of people around the world and we will not be agreeing with their thoughts. But we cannot scan the whole Internet on a real time basis. The solution is to avoid the content and that is all. We are losing our priorities and unfortunately we do not even know about it.
No one should be allowed to insult or make fun of any religion.
Finally government wakes up
Very good decision.
@fahd, Without stopping the social media you cannot stop "Blasphamy". You cannot stop the social media in the country. That will be a leap backward.
Block or ban all social media network.
You cannot control the internet the best bet is not to read it plus who cares what one writes as they saying goes "sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never affect me">
However, you can control law and order, corruption, murders, kidnappings etc, so my friend do what you can and don't waste time in things that you can't control in other words stop playing games with peoples emotions and do your job. Enough of this holier than thou attitude...
Solid decision and appreciable step of Govt !!!
Too little too late.
"Nawaz urged the minister to completely uproot this heinous crime and sought daily reports on developments in this regard."
Has Nawaz ever sought daily reports on the state of drinking water, the state of the healthcare system, the state of corruption?
Instead of wearing their emotions on a sleeve and constantly being offended and playing the victim, why don't the people of Pakistan focus on actual issues that face the country like providing education and healthcare to the masses?
The war among our own savage souls is more important then social media.
Mr. Prime Minister, Most of the violent crimes committed against women in Pakistan are strictly prohibited by laws covering child marriage, sexual violence, domestic violence, kidnapping and harassment...For Pakistani women, every day must be women’s day, An “inefficient” social justice system is the reason for the different forms of violence in Pakistan. Can you do something for the women of your country? Thanks you Sir!!!
@AXH so u don't get clean water for drinking. To those who are saying that media can't be control than just observe how USA and China control their media. If u don't have any idea about anything atleast don't palute other people thoughts. If any govt want something they can do. Just go and search ur bahnsa group. If those ppl groups can be disappear why can't be others
Hate speech is free speech.
Excellent