Islamabad, Feb 26 (NationPress) A prominent minority advocacy organization in Pakistan has voiced serious apprehension regarding the escalating abuse of the nation's blasphemy statutes, labeling them as increasingly utilized as “instruments of intimidation, authority, and exploitation”.

Citing various human rights organizations that characterize this law as an expanding “blasphemy industry,” the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM) pointed out that “fabricated screenshots, altered images, fake social media profiles, and perjured testimonies” are frequently employed to ensnare vulnerable individuals in charges that could lead to capital punishment.

The rights organization emphasized that for religious minorities in Pakistan — including Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, Sikhs, and Shia Muslims — blasphemy accusations are not just hypothetical legal threats but represent a persistent danger.

“These communities, already grappling with social bias and economic exclusion, can be utterly devastated by a single allegation. Mobs can mobilize within hours, families are forced to escape, employment opportunities vanish, and reputations suffer irreparable harm,” the VOPM remarked.

“Between 1994 and 2025, at least 104 individuals were killed extrajudicially due to blasphemy accusations. In such an environment, the law serves not merely as a punitive measure — it instills terror,” it continued.

The VOPM raised alarms about the concerns shared by multiple human rights entities regarding the actions of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), particularly its Cyber Crime Wing, which registers cases without adequate forensic substantiation and responds to anonymous tips.

In addition, it highlighted how private vigilante groups, including those affiliated with the radical Islamist political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, are actively pursuing alleged blasphemy cases on social media, while the Legal Commission on Blasphemy in Pakistan openly advocates for “decisive measures” against those accused.

“This mixture of public pressure, organized activism, and insufficient safeguards fosters an environment ripe for extortion. Victims often find themselves compelled to pay intermediaries or abandon their homes to ensure their safety,” the VOPM explained.

The organization noted that the issue goes beyond mere misuse, as the blasphemy law enables allegations to carry significant implications before any evidence is thoroughly evaluated. It stated that accusations are weaponized against the impoverished, minorities, and socially marginalized.

“For the affluent and well-connected, legal representation may be achievable. For others, survival hinges on silence, fleeing, or financial payment. As long as the death penalty is associated with blasphemy laws, these provisions will continue to lure vigilantes, opportunists, and organized extortion rings,” the VOPM underscored.

Stating that the Pakistani government has failed to safeguard its most vulnerable citizens, the rights organization asserted, “The judiciary and law enforcement frequently act as accomplices rather than protectors. Until Pakistan dismantles the legal and institutional frameworks that enable blasphemy to function as a mechanism of oppression, fear will persist as the prevailing law.”