Growing intolerance

Our society as a whole is a victim of intolerance, and religious extremism has pushed it to the brink. Be it public reaction on alleged blasphemy or institutional response, both have not been in sync with the teachings of the great religion of Islam that preaches and promotes emancipation and tolerance. Thus, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi was on the mark as he declared that "no one has the authority to issue a fatwa of murder in cases of blasphemy." That candid observation is the law of the land too, and appropriate legislations and conventions go on to address such fissures in a coordinated manner by outlawing mob mentality. But that has not been the case in terms of reality as the impulsion to avenge the accused and instil a parallel street verdict has been at the root of all ills.

The point is that religious otherness in Pakistan has been an anathema, and people are furious and vindictive when it comes to formulating an opinion on any dissent. That is why alleged instances and reported events of blasphemy are treated with brute force, and people as well as the religious cadre are seen resorting to violence and vandalism. The lynching of several non-Muslims and setting their properties, including temples and churches, on fire has shamed our society as a whole. The CII chief is right as he said that most people in the country are unaware of blasphemy laws, as well as its writ and application, and take it as an insult to their faith. It has, of late, turned it into such a sacrilegious sense that even the Supreme Court which was seized with a blasphemy case was threatened with dire consequences. That is unbecoming of any pluralistic society and is in need of being checked.

Taking law into hands is unconstitutional and is an anti-thesis of civility. Though desecration of the Holy Quran is punishable by life imprisonment, it is the legal decorum that will sit in judgement and not the whims and wishes of people. It's time to educate the masses, and peer and religious leaders are duty bound to make the necessary perceptional correction.