Review Essay: Blasphemy Laws, Sectarianism and Religious Minorities in Pakistan

The issue of blasphemy is a point of significant political contestation and a source of recurring social unrest in Pakistan. Divisions on the issue serve as a catalyst for mass demonstrations and the intimidation and assassination of political and community leaders and activists,¹ along with the ongoing persecution and marginalisation of religious minorities.² While there are specific laws, known as the blasphemy laws,³ which criminalise forms of expression and religious beliefs and behaviour, the trouble is that the boundary between the acceptable and the criminal remains unclear, often incoherent, and politicised.⁴ This confusion expands the room for miscarriages of justice ⁵ and the misuse of these laws towards nefarious designs and personal gain.⁶ Moreover, the blasphemy laws specifically target the beliefs and practices of religious minorities and vulnerable communities.⁷ This makes the mere existence of religious minorities potentially criminal,⁸ rendering them susceptible to vigilante and mob violence, and targets of collective punishment.