Blasphemy law in Pakistan is primarily governed by sections 295–298 of the Pakistan Penal Code. These laws cover offenses related to religion, including uttering any derogatory remark against religious figures or symbols, which is considered blasphemous. Section 298, in particular, addresses the use of words or gestures that might be seen as offensive to religious sentiments.
§ 298
Uttering of any word or making any sound or making any gesture or placing of any object in the sight with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person.
1 year´s imprisonment, or fine, or both
§ 298A
Use of derogatory remarks etc., in respect of holy personages.
3 years´ imprisonment, or fine, or both
§ 295
Injuring or defiling places of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class.
Up to 2 years´ imprisonment or fine, or both
§ 295A
Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.
Up to 10 years´ imprisonment, or fine, or both
§ 295B
Defiling, etc., of Quran.
Imprisonment for life
§ 295C
Use of derogatory remarks, spoken, written, directly or indirectly, etc. defiles the name of Muhammad or other Prophet(s).
Mandatory Death and fine
Trial must take place in a Court of Session with a Muslim judge presiding.
Legal and Social Impacts of Blasphemy Law
Beyond the legal ramifications, Pakistan’s blasphemy law has a profound social impact. Religious minorities live in constant fear of being accused, often leading to self-censorship or fleeing the country. Once an accusation is made, the community often turns against the accused, sometimes resorting to mob violence.
While blasphemy laws are meant to protect religious sentiments, they have become a tool of oppression, used to suppress dissent and punish those seen as “other” within the majority-Muslim society. The mere accusation of blasphemy can lead to extrajudicial killings, making reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy law a critical issue for human rights organizations.
