THIS is with reference to the article by Faisal Siddiqi on the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Aasia Bibi case (Nov 3). He lauded the apex court judges for taking a bold stand against the misuse of the blasphemy law.

The followers of Mumtaz Qadri, as expected, not only protested against the decision but incited their followers to rise against the judges and the military chief and gave a call for mutiny within the armed forces. Punjab Governor Salman Taseer was assassinated by Mumtaz Qadri when he only suggested changes in the blasphemy law so that it could not be misused.

Article 295 (C) was inserted into the constitution by Ziaul Haq, giving space to extremists to invoke it at will — even to settle their personal scores. The Council of Islamic Ideology had proposed a change in the law that the people who falsely accuse others of blasphemy should be given the same sentence as is prescribed for those committing blasphemy. This amendment has not been taken up by parliament.

Though the superior court had turned down the subordinate court’s decision where it had awarded the death sentence, the religious vigilantes have killed scores of alleged accused on the charges of blasphemy. No wonder, in spite of the Supreme Court judgment, Aasia Bibi is looking for political asylum in the West because she fears these religious extremists might kill her and her family.

Before Ziaul Haq broadened the expanse of these laws, not many blasphemy cases were registered in the country. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) never encouraged such mindless killings and believed in winning over his opponents by convincing them.

Babar Ayaz

Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2018