HRW condemns attack on Pakistani Christians over 'blasphemy' issue

Islamabad, Mar. 10 (ANI): International NGO, Human Rights Watch, has said that the Pakistan government should immediately take legal action against Islamist militant groups and others responsible for threats and violence against minorities and other vulnerable groups.

The country's blasphemy law has come under renewed scrutiny from international groups after a mob torched dozens of houses located in a Christian neighborhood in Lahore on Match 9 forcing hundreds of Christians to flee, reports the Daily Times.

The mob attacked the houses in Joseph Colony following allegations of blasphemy against a Christian man. The man was booked under the blasphemy law.

Pakistan director at HRW, Ali Dayan Hasan, said that the Punjab provincial government has spent almost its entire 5-year term in office being in denial about threats to minorities. He said that law enforcement authorities should put aside their prejudices and protect religious minorities who are in serious danger.

Hasan said it is a fact that the blasphemy law is an enabler of mob violence against vulnerable groups, and as long as such laws remain on the books and the authorities remain unwilling or unable to rein in mobs playing judge, jury and executioner, Pakistan will remain plagued by abuse in the name of religion.

The group urged concerned governments and intergovernmental bodies to press the Pakistani government to repeal sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which includes the blasphemy law and anti-Ahmadiyya laws.

Social persecution and legal discrimination against religious minorities has become particularly widespread in Punjab province, the HRW said. It urged the provincial government to investigate and prosecute as appropriate campaigns of intimidation, threats, and violence against Christians, Ahmadis, and other vulnerable groups.

Research by HRW indicates that the police have not apprehended anyone responsible for such violence and discrimination against minorities in the last several years.

Abuses under the country's blasphemy law continued as dozens were charged in 2012 and at least 16 people remained on death row for blasphemy, while another 20 served life sentences. (ANI)