A judgment and its aftermath (Asia Bibi blasphemy case in Pakistan)

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A judgment and its aftermath (Asia Bibi blasphemy case in Pakistan)

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• Playing with religion proving costly for Pakistan: For decades, religion was used for political gains by all parties. Now, the hardline clerics are extracting their price, as the violence over acquittal of Asia Bibi in the blasphemy case proves.
• The various problems of Pakistani society: The Asia Bibi case shows these in full measure.

1. Neighbours with a grudge could use the law to persecute a berry-picker Asia Noreen, who is Christian
2. Even after her acquittal, violent mobs are not willing to let go, and are threatening judges and Army Commanders

• International cause celebre: The Pope spoke on her behalf, and EU also warned Pakistan that access to its markets for Pak products would depend on the outcome of this case.
• Why this pardon? The Supreme Court finally accepted what was widely known – that there were no credible evidences against her – as Pakistan was battling a huge financial crisis and needed external financial help.
• Zia’s horrible legacy: The Pakistani blasphemy law dates back to the times of dictator Zia ul-Haq. The Pakistan Penal Code was amended to include varying degrees of punishment for religious crimes, including death for defiling Prophet Muhammad’s name.
• A horrible caste system: Asia was a poor Christian from a low caste, hence the most vulnerable among the weakest. The Blasphemy law is easily used against such people.
• Misuse of the law: While such laws exist in many nations, in Pakistan it is often used to settle personal scores!
• Whipping up frenzy against minorities: The use of this law also ensures that the politicians are able to keep the anti-minority cauldron boiling, and reaffirming some tenets of Pakistani nationhood. Vigilante violence all the way!
• Direct threats: Some groups are asking Army soldiers to rebel against their commanders! The Army may actually have sought Bibi’s acquittal due to Pakistan’s international isolation. There are huge street protests everywhere, as Asia has left Pakistan.
• Imran Khan’s warning: He always instigated religious extremism, and is now warning the extremists. It is clear that some compromise will emerge sooner or later. But Pakistan must do more to reassure its minorities.
• Summary - The acquittal of Asia Bibi has laid bare the hollowness of the Pakistani blasphemy law, as it can be easily used against the weakest of the minorities, and lead to violence later.

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