Fair investigation: Minorities’ body seeks protection for blasphemy accused

Letter urges federal and provincial govts coordination to put end to misuse of law

LAHORE: The leaders of churches and human rights organisations expressed deep concern over what they termed “inhuman treatment and tragic circumstances” in the FIA investigation against blasphemy accused Patras Masih and Sajid Masih.

A letter seeking urgent action from Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was written by Centre for Social Justice Patron in Chief Peter Jacob and ratified by Church of Pakistan Moderator Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz Peter, Presbyterian Church of Pakistan Moderator Dr Able Majeed, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace moderator Cecil Shane Chaudhry Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation Moderator Michelle Chaudhry. It requested the PM to help the government of Punjab curb the misuse of blasphemy laws.

The letter said the abuse of blasphemy laws particularly sections 295-B and 295-C of PPC have led to murder of several people and mob violence against minorities. The allegations were motivated to settle a personal vendetta, which the courts routinely found frivolous. Certain elements are spreading religious intolerance and lawlessness which is damaging the fabric of society and causing harassment of minorities,” it read.

Under the banner of Pakistan Christian Action Forum, the above mentioned organisations requested the prime minister, together with provincial governments, to consider strict measures to prevent the misuse use of blasphemy laws.



While talking to The Express Tribune, Pakistan Christian Action Forum Coordinator Peter Jacob said the government must establish credible and independent joint investigation team so that Partas Masih and Sajid Masih receive a fair investigation and its report must be made public within two weeks.

“Withdraw the FIR for attempted suicide against Sajid Masih and hold FIA personnel involved to account for misusing their power against Patras and Sajid, and ensure that prosecuting and investigating agencies discharge their functions with impartiality,” Jacob added. He further said effective measures should be taken for safety and security of the accused and aggrieved families.

He also demanded the constitution of an implementation committee for compliance of the Supreme Court’s orders by the federal and provincial governments given on June 19, 2014, in order to safeguard life, liberty, properties of the religious minorities. He demanded authorities implement the recommendations of the judicial inquiry held on Gojra Inquiry Commission in 2009 through an effective compliance committee to introduce institutional safeguards for investigation and prosecution to prevent misuse of blasphemy laws.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2018.