Blasphemy Laws Misused to Seize Religious Minorities’ Property in Pakistan: HRW

Muslim mob attacks dancer falsely accused of blasphemy in Pakistan in Hum TV drama, “Tan Man Neel o Neel.” 

(Christian Daily International-Morning Star News screenshot)

Posted at Morning Star News:

Published June 16, 2025

Vulnerable communities displaced.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are being systematically misused to target religious minorities, dispossess the poor and settle personal and economic disputes, according to a new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report.

Blasphemy accusations are increasingly weaponized to incite mob violence, displace vulnerable communities and seize their property with impunity, states the 29-page report, “A Conspiracy to Grab the Land: Exploiting Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws for Blackmail and Profit,” issued on June 9.

“Failure to prosecute those responsible for incitement and attacks in the past has emboldened those who use these laws to extort and blackmail in the name of religion,” said Patricia Gossman, HRW’s associate Asia director.

The Pakistani government should urgently reform its blasphemy laws to prevent them from being weaponized, she said.

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See also:

• Pakistan: Blasphemy Laws Exploited for Blackmail, Profit | Human Rights Watch