From British India to Zia-ul-Haq: How Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws Became So Severe
The history of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws begins before the creation of Pakistan and extends from British colonial legislation to major changes under General Zia-ul-Haq.
Pakistan did not create its entire blasphemy-law framework in 1947.
Part of it was inherited from British India.
But the laws changed significantly after independence, particularly during General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamisation programme.
Understanding that history is essential.
Colonial Origins
The Indian Penal Code of 1860 contained provisions dealing with offences involving religion.
British colonial authorities were concerned with preventing communal conflict in a religiously diverse population.
Pakistan inherited much of this legal structure after independence.
1927 and Section 295-A
Religious tensions in British India led to the addition of Section 295-A, criminalising deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
This provision therefore predates Pakistan itself.
Pakistan After Independence
The legal landscape changed substantially during later decades.
During General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule in the 1980s, new provisions relating specifically to Islamic religious figures and texts were introduced.
Among them were Sections 295-B and 295-C.
Other provisions specifically restricting Ahmadis were also introduced.
Section 295-C
Section 295-C concerns derogatory remarks regarding the Prophet Muhammad.
The punishment ultimately became mandatory death following judicial interpretation.
This provision lies behind many of Pakistan’s internationally known blasphemy prosecutions.
Why This History Matters
Saying merely:
“Pakistan inherited its blasphemy law from Britain”
is incomplete.
So is saying:
“Zia created Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.”
The accurate history is more nuanced.
Colonial legislation created the foundation; later Pakistani governments expanded and intensified it.
Conclusion
Laws are historical choices.
They are created.
They are amended.
They are interpreted.
And they can be reconsidered.
Understanding how Pakistan arrived at its present legal framework is essential to understanding the controversy surrounding it today.
Read in Dutch | German | Italian | Portuguese
