Amnesty International Criticizes Pakistan for Blasphemy-Related Killings
Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, has expressed serious concerns about the ongoing extrajudicial killings of individuals accused of blasphemy in Pakistan. The organization criticized the Pakistani government for failing to protect basic human rights, including the right to life and freedom of religion.
Recent Incidents
In a statement on X, Amnesty condemned the recent police killings of two individuals accused of blasphemy. On September 19, a doctor accused of blasphemy was shot by police officers in Umarkot, Sindh. This followed the September 12 killing of another blasphemy suspect by a police officer in Quetta, Balochistan.
Calls for Accountability
Amnesty criticized Pakistani authorities for avoiding accountability, particularly highlighting how the family of the victim in Quetta was allegedly pressured to forgive the police officer. The organization called for impartial and independent investigations into these incidents and urged Pakistani authorities to prosecute those responsible through fair and transparent trials.
Blasphemy Laws Under Scrutiny
Amnesty reiterated its demand for the repeal of Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, which have been used to justify violence and discrimination against religious minorities. Since May 2024, four individuals accused of blasphemy have been lynched by mobs in various parts of Pakistan, including Sargodha, Swat, Quetta, and Mirpurkhas.
International Pressure
The international community continues to pressure Pakistan to bring those responsible for these killings to justice and to address the root cause by dismantling the blasphemy laws. Amnesty’s statement highlights Pakistan’s deteriorating human rights record and the government’s failure to protect vulnerable communities from violence.
Doubts Revealed
Amnesty International -: Amnesty International is a global organization that works to protect human rights. They speak out against unfair treatment and violence.
Blasphemy -: Blasphemy means showing disrespect or saying bad things about something that is considered sacred or holy in a religion.
Extrajudicial killings -: Extrajudicial killings are when people are killed without a legal trial or court decision. This is illegal and unfair.
Umarkot -: Umarkot is a city in Pakistan. It is one of the places where these unfair killings happened.
Quetta -: Quetta is another city in Pakistan. It is also mentioned as a place where these killings took place.
Accountability -: Accountability means being responsible for your actions. If someone does something wrong, they should face consequences.
Independent investigations -: Independent investigations are checks done by people who are not involved in the situation. This helps to make sure the truth is found without any bias.
Repeal -: Repeal means to cancel or take back a law. Amnesty International wants Pakistan to cancel its blasphemy laws.
Religious minorities -: Religious minorities are groups of people who follow a different religion than most people in their country. They can sometimes face unfair treatment.
International community -: The international community means countries and organizations around the world. They work together to solve global problems.