Few issues in Pakistan are as sensitive as allegations of blasphemy — where a single accusation can carry irreversible consequences. It is in this context that the Islamabad High Court's directive to form a commission to investigate the recent spike in online blasphemy cases must be viewed with seriousness.
Since 2022, dozens of young men have reportedly been arrested for alleged blasphemy, often tied to messages shared in WhatsApp groups. Families have raised alarm over how these arrests are taking place, prompting the court to take notice. Rights groups and police sources have also pointed to the involvement of private law firms and online volunteers who actively search for content deemed offensive, raising concerns about how such cases are being detected and pursued.
In light of this, the proposed committee has been mandated to complete its findings in four months. It goes without question that this probe must be carried out carefully — scrutinising not just the content in question, but also the process through which it is flagged, reported and acted upon. If there is in fact an organised effort behind these arrests, it must be brought to light through proper legal means, not speculation.
What is needed now is a clear, rules-based framework that ensures any digital content flagged for such charges is handled through proper channels, with safeguards to prevent misuse. The commission's mandate must focus on ensuring that constitutional rights are upheld and that investigations are grounded in due process. Simultaneously, the investigation must avoid contributing to an environment of fear or suppression, and instead help reaffirm confidence in the rule of law.
This is not a matter to be approached with haste. The proposed commission's work must be deliberate, impartial and, above all, respectful of the sensitivities involved.
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