AMONGST the spate of laws rushed through parliament as the sun set on the tenure of the PDM coalition is the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The document in question amends the sensitive blasphemy law, yet what is distressing is that it was passed by the Senate this week without proper debate, and without many lawmakers even seeing the bill. A similarly haphazard method was employed in January when the bill was pushed through an apparently inquorate National Assembly. The bill, amongst other changes, enhances punishment for blasphemy, under Section 298-A, to life, with a minimum of 10 years. Moved by a Jamaat-i-Islami lawmaker, in the statement of objectives it is said that the changes are being made to counter “terrorism”, and to address disrespect towards the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) wives, family and companions. While the sacred personalities of all sects and faiths need to be respected, and blasphemy certainly cannot be condoned, questions arise about the intentions of this bill, especially when some Muslim sects are of the view that the changes may be a ruse to challenge their religious beliefs.

Firstly, such an important law should not have been rushed with no regard for parliamentary procedure, and no thorough debate. Secondly, complex historical and theological questions cannot be bulldozed through parliament, without major input from historians and scholars of all sects. The matters the bill addresses concern debates that have been raging within the body politic of Islam for 14 centuries. How such a stringent law can be approved by a handful of lawmakers is a matter of concern. The state needs to revisit the decision, as instead of addressing sectarianism, it may end up stoking communalism. Instead of lawmakers, such theological questions should be discussed by ulema and intellectuals, while clergymen of all denominations must promote the virtues of tolerance and mutual respect amongst their respective flocks.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2023