The Islamabad High Court’s dismissal of the FIR is also unlikely to be a harbinger of tolerance and good judgment in future blasphemy cases. The evidence in favour of Rimsha was so overwhelming and she herself cut such a pitiful figure that the courts could rule in no other way. So obvious was her innocence that even extremist Islamic groups, who are otherwise very enthusiastic about the blasphemy laws, called for her freedom. One would hope that seeing how unscrupulous people are so willing to make false accusations of blasphemy would show judges that these charges are often framed out of personal vendettas and less faith ought to be put in such testimony in the future.
If a change is to be brought about in how the blasphemy laws are misused, it will have to be political and societal. Our representatives need to use the Rimsha case to push for a reform of the laws. Punishments for those who make false accusations need to be strengthened and an exception has to be carved out for minors who are accused of blasphemy. Above all, we the people need to change. We need to rely on reason and not fall prey to our basest instincts. So far, the state has not executed anybody for blasphemy; all the deaths associated with it have come from enraged mobs. It is this mentality that needs to be tackled and fought.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2012.
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false perception,poverty,ignorance,respiration and emotional blackmailing on the part of religion has produced religious extremist who force the living of innocent ,legally proved,to death.
A comprehensive Islamic legislature structure is required in addition to the amendments of mindset regarding false accusations in order to avoid such religious, social and emotional maniacs although Islamabad high court made a great decision for the future circumspect.
I highly appreciate the decision of Islamabad High Court regarding this blasphemy case. Its a great damage to the extremist and militant groups in Pakistan. But my question is, did Rimsha just served or saved??
Pakistan is a liberal democratic state in which the personals of all Religion can obey their laws.The High court of Pakistan has justified this concept by providing justice to Rimsha Masih. But the other aspect of the case is that what about the mobs? what about those who discriminated Rimsha? are they going to be punished? this is not a unidimensional matter because anyone can become a victim of the mobs. Blasphemy laws are for justice and here it got the right usage.
We should protect the minorities of our country and in any case regarding to blasphemy we should hold a proper investigation either the victim is guilty in real words or not. All this act shows a clear image of the amendments made by ZIA UL HAQ in the 1973's constitution of Pakistan, article 295 - C. which according to me and according to my personal opinion is wrong. we are not using following the real meaning of word LAW. All this act shows the cruelness and extremism towards the non Muslims. according to me our religion does nit allow such acts. it provides a clear and clean image of every matter either it is a pity one or big one
'Justice Served' Rimsha Masih is served with justice is one part of the scenario but the actual hurdles what she would face in her daily will be the most devastating ones she would had experienced. These conservative terrorist will not let her return to her old life because rimsha is convicted of such a crime except she is innocent but she will still spent her life in threats.It is assumed that 70% Blasphemy laws are misused for desired motives we need to take a look at it to make decrease the rate of misuse so that other rimsha will suffer
It is such a bliss for us that the smudge of accusation has been removed from Rimsha but the main thing is that ,really how she would spend her remaining life??? she would be cursing on her life just because of those extremists who are just always in rage and never care for others but just misuse the blasphemy laws which victims are always innocent people.we now should take step to stop this game and pay heed towards it to save the lives of innocent people.
I feel really sorry for whatever happened with Rimsha Masih.She eventually deserved the right decision of the court,which the court made because she herself was innocent but got tackled in the evil plans of the extremist.
Blasphemy laws should be reviewed because in our country we people cant control our emotions regarding such an act.we become very furious before listening the whole story and it is the main reason why the minority people suffer.Our governor was also addressing the same issue but the interview he gave was totally misunderstood and the result was fatal death.I am very proud of our judiciary that actually served justice and returned her the right of a respected Pakistani.We all should open our minds and think critically towards blasphemy laws and its misuse to save people who are innocent and to punish those who think themselves as robin hood of islam
The word blasphemy is always used to sabotage minorities and they were deprived of the rights they deserve.I appreciate that Islamabad high court decleared Ramsha Massih as an innocent.The decision revealed the reality which is mostly ignored in our country. The court showed integrity in the decision. I appreciate this and we must appreciate this decision, despite the relegious fundamentalism in this country where the atmosphere is always of uncertainty.
Why we are only thinking about the dangers that Rimsha Mashi might face in her future life. Remember the case of Mukhtara Mai, she was facing same kind of threats from her own people. She is now running an organization, established with the help of many world wide organizations. What if some non governmental organization takes Rimsha Mashi to some other country where she can study free and live her life as she want.
The blasphemy cases in our country have proved to have being used as a tool to sabotage the minorities. Some people have used it as a weapon against non-Muslims in their personal enmities, furthermore the declarations of being guilty of blasphemy and its result are usually headed by extremist mindset, which would definitely favor the false claim of the person of same religion. Anyway I highly appreciate the Islamabad High Court's decision regarding Rimsha Masih case.
Dear Editor I am visiting Pakistan after 9 years and being a media monitoring researcher, I find your editorial: Justice served of November 20, 2012 too pessimistic and a bit negative. Unfortunately, I have noticed that the Pakistani media in general distorts the facts of stories, repeat the negative aspects of events and seldom if ever focuses on many beautiful and positive events taking place in this great country. Can it be just for high rating or selling more newspapers, which is often the case in the west? Calling the Islamabad High Court’s courageous and correct decision in favor of Rimsha Masih as a hollow victory is not only insulting to the judicial system but also discouraging to the victims who want justice system to protect them. You also forgot to mention that the whole case of Blasphemy against Rimsha was actually a land grab scheme by rich property dealer who wanted to use the idiotic Mullah for evicting the Christians of that place. Anyhow, with all its diverse problems and faltering institutions, Pakistan still is a lovely place, I would love to visit soon.
I really appreciate Islamabad High Court for giving justice to Rimsha Masih and aspects high court will also provide her a secure environment to led her life independently as she was leading her life before that case of blasphemy laws. It should not be allowed to people to make fun of our feelings, if someone tries to make a nonsense habit it should be punished but after investigation and under laws. Islam is a religion of peace; it does not allow killing anybody on the name of religion.
I really appreciate Islamabad High Court for giving justice to Rimsha Masih and aspects high court will also provide her a secure environment to led her life independently as she was leading her life before that case of blasphemy laws.It should not be allowed to people to make fun of our feelings, if someone try to make a nonsense habit it should be punished but after investigation and under laws. Islam is a religion of peace, it does not allow to kill anybody on the name of religion.
We are experiencing judicial activism, and the bold verdict placed by Islamabad High Court on Rimsha Masih case is another step towards serving justice. If at one side we are stuck in fetching adamant solutions to our democratic crises, on the other side we are enduring hope for free will and freedom of an individual. We need to look at the broader perspective now and no doubt we are moving towards a positive change of aspects. Such verdicts would work as a shut up call to the so called protectors of religion. WE "The People" need to stand and support the course of action which leads for the protection and safeguard of the innocent once. Judiciary can only serve as a path.. then its our turn to practically show the conservatives that we are united. If we are able to do so then i m sure anyone accused illegally as Rimsha doesnot need to hide for the rest of their lives... as well said by Bill. D Moyers "Whats right and good doesnot come up naturally. You have to stand up and fight for it-as if the cause depends on you because it does."
Rimsha is given justice ! Today I feel proud of being Pakistani as High Court gave an accurate judgement. Just because of few people we muslims are blamed for many things. This judgement might be small step towards a fair state but it proved one thing that there are few good people among us which will not let innocent suffer . I wish Rimsha lives a happy n safe life. I will ask the Court that will they provide her a secure life?
She got justice, I really appreciate the verdict passed by Islamabad high court. What ever had happened was really devastating and was an unbearable sacrifice for Rimsha, if we had pain for her just by listening news and article what could be her feeling as she was fighting alone with the Law. People should remember that 295-C is not made for blaming and killing innocents. “The dignity of Prophet and Holy Qur'an has been raised by God Almighty how can human being let down their respect.?”
here is another case of our Imprudence that devoid of apposite investigate the naive child was wedged by our law enforcement its not first-rate thing. she was in the prisoner from the last three months and now she gets release after all the investigation. Our investigation system should be strong that any blameless not bear the intricacy as a criminal did. And the next thing is that the blasphemy laws ought to be follow but take action on any rumors first have look on investigation then seize any person.
according to me, blasphemy law should be implemented but the investigation portion is necessary in it because people believe on rumors which they hear and make their own decisions, if this law will be removed then there will be no one stop the enimies of islam to make fun of our feelings.
Today, I appreciated the High Court of Islamabad for giving such a bold decision in favor of a 14 year old christian girl, accused of blasphemy. the court freed the girl but the harsh and terrible reality of our country is the fundamentalism, which is on its peak now a days. It tells about the bitter reality that how in our country the blasphemy laws are miss used against the innocent minorities just because they belong to another religion.
All I can say is Ramsha Masih deserved the verdict from the High Court of Islamabad in her favor and i really acknowledge the court's act. Even then it's really sad that the people of our country have such an extremist mindset and they does not have tolerance even for the believes of innocent children just because they belong to another religion. It tells the harsh reality of our country that our blasphemy laws are misused. It also tells us from the bitter reality that the mob of fundamentalists is so harsh in our country that they victimize even the innocent people just for the sake of this "LAW!"
now thats another way to get US visa I should think about.
I appreciate the High Court of Islamabad for its bold verdict in the case of innocent girl Rimsha. But this should not be considered enough, it is just a first drop of rain, still there is urge for much more to be done. As mentioned by the editorial that "so for there is not a single person, who has been executed under this law"but there is a very long list of those who are victimized by using this law and still some are behind the bars and some are facing court trails. I don't say that this law should be abrogated but what my request is that; the misuse of this law should be stopped with immediate effect. And those who have made it a source of their bread and butter and harassing innocents using the shield of this law should not be left with their own devices any more. The Rimsha case should be also an eye opener for our legislators also to know that how commonly and wrongly the blasphemy law is being practiced in Pakistan. May Allah give courage to our nation and leaders to call spade a spade.
It appears now it is not the blasphemy law which can be fought in courts, but the law of jungle. In prison she was at least physically safe. Now she remain in hiding for the rest of her life. May be packed to a non Muslim country, which are a lot more tolerant. I can't say I am very proud to belong to a faith which does not show tolerance and people who disagree need to run for their lives. .
Justice is served. Love you Ramsha and sorry whatever happened to you because of some sick minded people.