September 22, 2024
2 mins read

Amnesty condemns extrajudicial killings in Pakistan, slams blasphemy laws

Amnesty condemned the recent police killings of two individuals accused of blasphemy in separate incidents within a week…reports Asian Lite News

Amnesty International, an International human rights watchdog, has raised serious concerns about the ongoing extrajudicial killings of individuals accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, calling out the government for failing to protect basic human rights, including the right to life and freedom of religion.

In a statement on X, Amnesty condemned the recent police killings of two individuals accused of blasphemy in separate incidents within a week.

On September 19, a doctor accused of blasphemy was gunned down by police officers in what authorities termed a ‘police encounter’ in Umarkot, Sindh.

This incident followed the September 12 killing of a blasphemy suspect by a police officer while in custody in Quetta, Balochistan. Amnesty has criticized the Pakistani authorities for evading accountability in these cases, particularly pointing to how the family of the victim in Quetta was allegedly pressured to forgive the police officer under the country’s laws, which allow heirs to pardon murderers of the blasphemy victims.

This latest spate of violence underscores a troubling pattern of impunity for those involved in blasphemy-related killings.

Since May 2024, four individuals accused of blasphemy have been lynched by mobs in different parts of Pakistan, including Sargodha of Punjab province, Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Quetta of Balochistan, and Mirpurkhas of Sindh province in Pakistan.

Amnesty International called for an impartial and independent investigation into these incidents, urging Pakistani authorities to prosecute those responsible through fair and transparent trials. The organization also reiterated its demand for the repeal of Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, which it argues have long been used to justify violence and perpetuate discrimination against religious minorities in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have frequently been criticized by international human rights organizations for being overly broad and misused, often leading to mob violence and extrajudicial killings. Despite these growing concerns, the Pakistani government has yet to take meaningful steps toward reforming or repealing these laws, which many see as tools for oppression rather than justice.

As calls for justice grow louder, Amnesty’s statement shines a harsh light on Pakistan’s deteriorating human rights record and the government’s failure to protect vulnerable communities from violence. The international community continues to pressure the authorities to not only bring those responsible for these killings to justice but also to address the root cause by dismantling the blasphemy laws that have led to countless lives being lost. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Sri Lanka reports over 38,000 dengue cases in 2024

Previous Story

GOP senators bring new bill to back Taiwan and counter China

Next Story

More polio cases being reported in Pakistan

Latest from -Top News

Taliban’s Grave Warning for Pakistan

It came less than 24 hours after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reportedly issued a stern warning to Afghan Taliban…reports Asian Lite News As relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to deteriorate,

US deports 2,790 Indians in 2025

The MEA on Thursday confirmed that over 2,790 Indians were deported from the US this year after authorities verified their identity and nationality….reports Asian Lite News The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on

India–Cyprus talks on future plan

EAM Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ support for India on cross-border terrorism….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos met in New Delhi on Thursday

Rajnath Singh off for ASEAN meet

Singh is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from the participating ADMM-Plus nations ..reports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh departed for Kuala Lumpur on Thursday to attend the 12th
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign

Karachi Police Under Fire Ahead of Zardari’s China Visit

The petitioners also stated that they were subjected to unjustified