Blasphemy law in Pakistan

Active since 1860, British Colonial Rule in Subcontinent

Before commenting upon Blasphemy Law in Pakistan, it is pertinent to understand that judicial system in Pakistan has been influenced from British colonial period. Pakistan Penal Code is derived from British Penal Code (written by British Raj to govern sub continent), which was written in 1860. In 1860, blasphemy law was retained in Indian Penal Code under section 295, which provided protection to religious places, sculptures and personage of all religions.

Religious demonstration ( Blasphemy law)

Pakistan is an Islamic State. Islamic Republic of Pakistan uses Pakistan Penal Code to prohibit and punish blasphemy. Criminal Code provides penalties to the blasphemer from death to fine. Under Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Article 2, state religion is Islam and under Constitution Article 31, it is country’s duty to promote Islamic way of life. Article 33 of the constitution it is country’s duty to discourage any parochial, tribal, racial, sectarian and provisional prejudice among the citizens. These are the main Constitutional articles providing baseline to the citizens of Pakistan in their Islamic way of living.  

Amendments and additions.

Criminal Law (amendment) Act XXV in 1927 inserted two sections under section 295.

            i. 295 (A) prohibits "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs."

General (Late) Zia ul Haq

            ii.295(B) deals with Defiling of Holy Quran

b.           Under General (Late) Zia ul Haq regime amendments were made in sec 295 (B), extending penalty option to life imprisonment; in sec 295 (C), which outlaws “derogatory remarks on holy prophet (S.A.W)”. in 1986, a minor amendment in sec 295(C) added death penalty.

c.           In 1992, once Mian Nawaz Sharif was in government, amendment was made to include mandatory death penalty on proved blasphemer for derogatory remarks on holy prophet (S.A.W).

MQM Sitting in Opposition ....... PPP still seems confident

Before coming over to the confident stance of PPP, first have a look on the National Assembly seats:

PPP : 130
PML (N) :  95
PML (Q) : 55
MQM : 25
ANP : 13
JUI : 8
Independent : 18

These are the main contributors in forming the Nation Assembly house. JUI is already out of coalition due to recent Haj Scandal, and now MQM has also pulled themselves out of the coalition. MQM after breaking up with the ruling government would now seek for vote of no confidence against siting Prime Minister. Ruling Government still holding majority in House with 158 seats. Altaf Hussaian soon after the split contacted opposition leader PML (Q) Ch Shujaat Hussain, leading to the speculations that there would be some change in the House.   
Mian Nawaz Sharif ,PML(N) Leader of the House haven't comment on the present situation. However, one thing is clear any alliance against present government would not be accepted to PML(N) if PML(Q) is part of the deal.
 

Happy New Year ....... Year of new Resolutions

 It is commonly consider that 2010 was an year of economical depression, political instability, international conflicts and many many bad happening........ But,  we usually forget that it is we how are responsible in making 2011 an year of harmony, prosperity, stability and many many goods things to come.

Pakistan is already facing weak economy, political instability, terrorist threat, suicide bomber attacks and drone attacks. so how can we change the situation

My Answer

• Free education for every citizen of Pakistan.
• Free and fair judicial system.
• Strong institutions.

and all we can achieve with this is:

•  Educated Political.
• Citizens with moral and ethnic values.
• Stable and prospering Pakistan