The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again called upon the US government to work closely with Pakistani officials to take concrete steps towards amending or repealing the country’s controversial blasphemy law. This call comes in the wake of recent incidents of violence and discrimination against religious minorities in Pakistan, which have been fueled by the misuse of this law.
The blasphemy law in Pakistan has long been a subject of international concern, with many human rights organizations and religious freedom advocates criticizing its vague and broad wording, which has led to its misuse and abuse. Under this law, anyone accused of insulting Islam or the Prophet Muhammad can face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty. In recent years, there have been numerous cases of false accusations and mob violence against individuals, particularly religious minorities, resulting in grave human rights violations.
The USCIRF, an independent, bipartisan US federal government commission, has been closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan and has consistently raised concerns about the misuse of the blasphemy law and the resulting human rights violations. In its 2021 Annual Report, the USCIRF highlighted the need for the US government to engage with Pakistani officials to address this issue and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs.
In a recent statement, USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza reiterated the commission’s call for the US government to take action. She stated, “The blasphemy law in Pakistan has been used to target and persecute religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadi Muslims. It is imperative that the US government works with Pakistani officials to take measurable steps towards amending or repealing this law, which has been a tool for discrimination and violence.”
The USCIRF’s call for action is not without merit. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of individuals being falsely accused of blasphemy and facing severe consequences. In 2018, a Christian woman, Asia Bibi, was acquitted of blasphemy charges after spending eight years on death row. Her case sparked international outrage and highlighted the need for reform of the blasphemy law. However, despite her acquittal, Asia Bibi and her family continue to face threats and live in fear.
The USCIRF’s recommendation for the US government to work with Pakistani officials is not an isolated call. In its 2021 Annual Report, the commission also recommended that the US government condition its security assistance to Pakistan on the country’s progress in protecting religious freedom and repealing the blasphemy law. This approach would send a strong message to the Pakistani government that the US takes religious freedom seriously and will not tolerate the persecution of religious minorities.
The USCIRF’s call for action is not only in the best interest of religious minorities in Pakistan but also aligns with the US’s values and commitment to promoting and protecting religious freedom globally. The US government has a responsibility to use its influence to advocate for the rights of individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs, and to hold governments accountable for their actions.
In addition to working with Pakistani officials, the USCIRF has also urged the US government to engage with civil society organizations and religious leaders in Pakistan to promote interfaith dialogue and tolerance. This approach would help address the root causes of religious intolerance and promote a culture of respect and understanding among different religious communities in Pakistan.
It is time for the US government to take decisive action and work towards amending or repealing the blasphemy law in Pakistan. The USCIRF’s call for action is a step in the right direction, and it is imperative that the US government heeds this call and takes concrete steps to protect the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
In conclusion, the USCIRF’s reiteration of its call for the US government to work with Pakistani officials to amend or repeal the blasphemy law is a positive and necessary step towards promoting religious freedom and protecting the rights of all individuals in Pakistan. The US government must use its influence to urge the Pakistani government to take action and address the misuse of this law, which has caused immense harm and suffering to religious minorities. It is time for the US to stand up for its values and work towards a more just and tolerant society in Pakistan.
