In a landmark decision seen as a “ray of hope” by legal advocates and families of victims, the Islamabad High Court has ordered the federal government of Pakistan to establish an inquiry commission within 30 days to investigate the widespread abuse of the country’s controversial blasphemy laws.
The directive, issued by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, comes after months of hearings into a case involving more than 100 victims, including Christians, who were allegedly falsely accused of blasphemy. The judge ruled that the commission must complete its investigation within four months, with the option to request more time if needed.
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which were significantly expanded in the 1980s under military ruler General Zia-ul-Haq, have been increasingly used to target religious minorities, settle personal disputes, or extort money through threats of prosecution. Conviction under these laws can carry the death penalty, though no one has been officially executed to date. However, mob violence and extrajudicial killings remain a constant threat for those accused.
The court heard disturbing allegations that members of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), particularly within its cybercrime wing, conspired with lawyers and private actors to entrap innocent people by luring them into online conversations with content deemed blasphemous. Victims who refused to pay bribes were charged under the law, placing them at risk of arrest, social ostracism, and deadly violence.
Legal representatives presented a report from Punjab Police’s Special Branch, alleging a network operating in Islamabad and Rawalpindi that fabricated blasphemous content to trap youth for financial gain. Among the accused was a woman known as Komal Ismail, or “Imaan,” believed to have played a central role in online entrapment. She has been missing since November 2024, prompting the court to raise concerns over her safety.
The court’s order also highlighted findings from the National Commission for Human Rights, which reported a sharp rise in blasphemy cases since 2022. According to the commission, many cases are rooted in digital entrapment tactics, often involving operatives using fake female profiles to implicate victims online. The rise was linked to amendments in Pakistan’s cybercrime laws introduced in 2018.
Figures presented in court showed that in 2020 there were 11 reported blasphemy cases; in 2021, nine; in 2022, 64; in 2023, 213; and a staggering 767 by July 2024 alone. While most of the accused are Muslims, a significant number are Christians, Ahmadis, and other religious minorities.
Data from the Centre for Research and Security Studies recorded 1,415 people accused of blasphemy from 1947 to 2021, including 225 Christians. At least 89 individuals have been killed in related violence.
Commenting on the verdict, attorney Imaan Mazari-Hazar, who represents some of the families, said, “This is the first time victims have felt heard. For many falsely accused, the trauma and stigma remain even if they are eventually acquitted.”
Another lawyer, Hadi Ali Chattha, welcomed the court’s courage in pursuing truth in the face of opposition. He said the proposed commission would include a retired judge, a senior former FIA officer, and an expert in information technology. Proceedings will be broadcast publicly for transparency.
The Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan, reportedly among the most active prosecuting groups, has denied wrongdoing. However, observers hope that the inquiry will expose any misuse of legal procedures for personal or ideological gain.
A relative of one of the accused, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisal, said, “We pray this investigation brings justice. Our loved ones are innocent and deserve their names to be cleared.”
Pakistan, where over 96% of the population is Muslim, remains one of the most dangerous places for Christians, ranked No. 8 on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List for Christian persecution.
Adapted from the original article published on Christian Daily International.
