Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are being misused for personal gain, leading to religious discrimination and targeting of the poor and minorities through unlawful evictions and land grabs, according to a Human Rights Watch report released today. The federal and provincial governments have been criticized for failing to prevent such abuses or provide justice for victims.
The 29-page report titled “‘A Conspiracy to Grab the Land’: Exploiting Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws for Blackmail and Profit” documents how blasphemy accusations are used as a tool for economic advantage. Accusers often incite mob violence, forcing communities to flee and leaving their properties vulnerable. Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch, urged reform: “The Pakistani government should urgently reform its blasphemy laws to prevent them from being weaponized.”
Human Rights Watch conducted interviews with individuals affected by blasphemy accusations, including legal professionals and human rights activists in various districts of Pakistan between May 2024 and January 2025. In Pakistan, blasphemy is officially punishable by death; however, even an accusation can lead to deadly consequences. Vigilante actions have resulted in numerous deaths over the past decade.
Most victims of these accusations belong to marginalized groups, particularly Christians and Ahmadis. Many minority communities reside in informal settlements without land titles, making them easy targets for property seizures after forced displacements.
Blasphemy allegations also serve as a financial weapon against business rivals or businesses owned by religious minorities. The justice system in Pakistan is seen as biased against those accused of blasphemy, with prolonged detentions and unfair trials common. Police rarely protect those targeted by vigilantes.
Human Rights Watch calls on the Pakistani government to repeal the blasphemy law and release those imprisoned under it. They emphasize the need for investigations into attacks based on these accusations, especially when they affect religious minorities or lead to forced displacements.
“The Pakistan government’s indifference…violates the rights to fundamental freedoms,” Gossman said.
Accounts from affected individuals illustrate the impact of these laws:
– Nadia (pseudonym), a Christian beautician in Lahore, faced mob violence after being falsely accused of desecrating the Quran.
– Firoz (pseudonym), who runs a private school in Lahore, was extorted following false blasphemy claims.
– Mian Yasir, a lawyer representing blasphemy defendants, noted that most accusations are motivated by personal or economic reasons.
– Sawan Masih’s case involved a violent attack on Joseph Colony following false allegations intended as part of a land grab conspiracy.
These stories underscore the urgent need for legal reforms and protections against exploitation under Pakistan’s current laws.
