In southern Pakistan, a government doctor was killed by police for alleged blasphemy, sparking outrage and highlighting the country’s volatile religious landscape. This extrajudicial killing, the second in a week, has raised concerns about the police taking matters into their own hands due to pressure from hard-line Islamist groups. The victim, Shah Nawaz, faced blasphemy charges after a cleric filed a complaint against him for a Facebook post. Despite surrendering to the police, Nawaz was killed under suspicious circumstances. The aftermath of his death saw further violence, with a mob seizing his body and setting it on fire.
These incidents underscore Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws and the dangerous consequences of mere allegations. The rise of radical Islamist groups, such as TLP, has fueled blasphemy-related violence, with the government’s tolerance further exacerbating the situation. Experts warn of a climate conducive to extrajudicial violence and emphasize the need for fair treatment in hate crime cases moving forward. With fear spreading, many Pakistanis are disclaiming offensive content on social media to protect themselves. The recent killings serve as a stark reminder of the deadly repercussions of blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
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