Lubna Thomas Benjamin, a Pakistani-Christian, writes about Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws are used as a weapon of persecution against Christians in Pakistan. Ms. Benjamin asserts that Pakistani-Christians are as patriotic as the Muslim majority and yet are often treated like second class citizens. In all truth that patriotic dedication among Pakistani-Christians is something that has been confirmed to me by another Pakistani-Christian that contributes posts to this blog – Shamim Masih. Such patriotism among Pakistani-Christians is quite the enigma in my book. However, if you think about it, what choice but to choose patriotism do Pakistani-Christians have? Most assuredly any Christian rancor against Islamic Supremacism would be greeted with extermination. Even here in Ms. Benjamin’s essay you can see how much dhimmitude has been brainwashed into to her persona. She writes of the Islamic prophet Mohammed placing in parentheses after his name the traditional Muslim phrasing given as holy respect – Praise Be Upon Him (often abbreviated as PBUH). Being a Christian living in America I cannot even imagine wishing the old PBUH on the guy who desired to eradicate all religions but the one he created – Islam.
JRH 11/21/13
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Christians of Pakistan Under the Blasphemy Law
By Lubna Thomas Benjamin, Journalist
Sent: 11/20/2013 5:04 PM
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow 2011-12
Living in a land of 97% Muslims, the Christians in Pakistan have the fear of persecution all the time in the guise of threats, discrimination and hatred but one intimidation that hovers on them every time is the blasphemy law.
Pakistan got independence in 1947 from the British rule and the Christians living in the subcontinent decided to be the part of Pakistan although many have decided else and preferred to live in India. After the independence and until now, the Christians have been serving the nation in different fields from military to education to medical and many other fields.
The Christians of Pakistan are as patriotic and committed to their country as any Muslim living there rather; the Christians are more despite the problems and hardships they have to suffer.
Yet, unfortunately the patriotism and serving the nation doesn’t make them a loyal and equal Pakistani as the Muslims living there are. The majority population - the Muslims - always call Pakistan their land and the land of Muslims. I would mostly argue with my colleagues when they commented on the cricket match: “God, give victory to our team as the Muslims are playing.” And I would ask them, “Were only the Muslims living in Pakistan and who was I?”
The way every matter in life from game to job and the list goes on, is affiliated with religion by majority restricting their thinking and minds from accepting and acknowledging the presence of the minorities living in Pakistan. The same way accusing and implicating Christians in blasphemy is very easy just like a toy in child’s hand. It is just like a wish coming true to get rid of the Christian person you don’t like by charging him/her of blasphemy.
The blasphemy laws existed even during the British rule in the subcontinent making it a criminal offence not to utter the disrespectful words towards any religion. Whereas, in Pakistan, the late military dictator Mohammad Zia Ul Haq in 1982 made additions and amendments in those laws. The purpose behind introduction of these changes and additions was to make the society more tolerant and respectful towards the religion followed by the majority population. But the history reveals that how intolerant and cruel the society has become after the introduction of specifically two sections in the legislation.
Two sections of the blasphemy law in Pakistan that make others offenders and are mostly manipulated to implicate others and especially the minorities.
Section 295-A clearly states that whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of the citizens of Pakistan, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations insults the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both.
“Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.” Section 295-C stipulates.
The National Commission for Justice and Peace reveals during the last 25 years, 1,058 cases of blasphemy were registered. Amongst the accused, 456 were Ahmadis, 449 were Muslims, 132 were Christians and 21 were Hindus. Whereas according to the report of the Asian Human Rights Commission 52 people have been extra-judicially murdered, for being implicated in blasphemy charges. Among these were 25 Muslims, 15 Christians, five Ahmadis, one Buddhist and one Hindu.
It is to mention here that from 1927 to 1986, only seven cases of blasphemy were registered in the subcontinent.
Being a Christian and a minority citizen of Pakistan, I can say that none of the minority citizen can even dare to say derogatory remarks against the Prophet Muhammad or even thinking of defiling the Holy Quran. The Christians while living in Pakistan are always fearful of what would happen to them that one day someone might implicate them in this offence they can’t even think of even without doing it. It’s not an adventure to do it and then spend the rest of life in prison or fleeing away from the country or if not then being killed by someone even though the case is under proceedings.
The plea given by the Muslims that look, we are also the target of this law. But if they are implicated then it’s easy for them to get free rather than a Christian or Hindu. As, a very simple reason the Muslim accused can be that - I can’t do it being a Muslim - and someone out of personal vendetta has done it. But this can’t carry any weight for the Christians, who are the biggest victims of this law keeping in view their meager population.
It is the matter, which brings together different sections of the Muslim population in Pakistan no matter how many differences they have based on the sects. Although, some liberal minded people opposed to this and even do it now but they are handful and even if they try to do something to abrogate it they are always stopped.
Rimsha a minor girl who was acquitted by the court after being charged of blasphemy proves many flaws in the way this law is used. It was a clear message for many ignorant people who use religion as a ploy to target and harass others, which is quite visible in Pakistan.
One fact I knew from covering the story of Rimsha that how truth remains forever and the false stories are forged to hide it. But the truth prevailed and it set Rimsha free. A poor soul never imagined how being a minor and going through a down syndrome would fall in the hands of sick-minded people.
I was moved to write this long article after reading another story in Pakistan about a Christian Pastor, Adnan Masih who is charged with blasphemy.
It’s in the hand of government to make amendments in this law, which is not possible to due to the strong resistance from the religious forces. Unless, the amendments rather the abrogation of the blasphemy laws are done, many more similar cases will continue to make the stories inside Pakistan and the unfortunate destiny of the Christians of Pakistan.
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About Lubna Thomas Benjamin
I am a broadcast journalist with seven years of working experience in Pakistan. I have started my career in journalism with Geo Television, Pakistan’s leading news channel in 2006 and have done research, reporting, coordination and production. There are several reports I have made while working with Geo TV, which has created great impact and led to the solution of the addressed problems.
In production, I have produced the documentary on the assassination of the former prime minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto.
I have also conducted an investigation on Rimsha, a Christian girl who was accused of blasphemy charges in August 2012.
I have also produced talk shows on the issues of youth highlighting the problems faced by them.
When the differences between Jamia Hafsa (religious extremist group) and the government got intensified, I was the first journalist to report from inside their territory.
With Pakistan Television Channel, I have worked for five months and have made numerous reports mostly on the political issues.
Besides, broadcast journalism I have also written articles and news stories both in Urdu and English. … READ MORE
© Lubna Thomas Benjamin
Edited by John R. Houk
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