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https://www.pakchristiannews.com/details/878
Gojra, December 21, 2024: A Christian woman, Shazia Younis, a resident of Bismillah Colony, has been accused of desecrating an Islamic textbook, leading to charges being filed against her under Section 295-B of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Saddar Police Station in Gojra, with the case drawing significant attention from the local community and beyond.
According to the FIR, the incident allegedly occurred on December 21, 2024, at approximately 1:00 PM. The complainant, Atta Ul-Mustafa, an imam of the local mosque, stated in his complaint that while he was present at Hamam Chowk, two individuals, Muhammad Imran and Rabnawaz, approached him to report that Shazia Younis had burned some books outside her house. It was alleged that amongst the burned materials, there were Islamic texts containing Quranic verses.
The FIR further states that Shazia Younis admitted to the act, which the complainant argued was a deliberate attempt to desecrate Quranic verses, thereby offending the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. The complainant demanded her immediate arrest and punishment under the blasphemy laws.
Acting swiftly, law enforcement registered the case under Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to the desecration of the Quran. The police have launched an investigation into the matter, with additional charges under other provisions potentially being considered depending on the outcome of the inquiry.
Given the sensitivity of the case, law enforcement has been directed to handle the matter with the utmost caution. The incident has further inflamed discussions around Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which are often criticized for being prone to misuse, particularly against vulnerable communities.
Minority rights groups and advocacy organisations have expressed concern over the case, urging authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation. "Blasphemy laws are frequently weaponised to target religious minorities in Pakistan. This case underscores the need for reforms to prevent abuse," said one rights activist.
Blasphemy laws remain a polarising issue in Pakistan, drawing criticism from international human rights organisations and foreign governments. While supporters argue that these laws protect religious sanctities, critics highlight the lack of safeguards against false accusations and the disproportionately adverse impact on religious minorities.
Gojra, December 21, 2024: A Christian woman, Shazia Younis, a resident of Bismillah Colony, has been accused of desecrating an Islamic textbook, leading to charges being filed against her under Section 295-B of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Saddar Police Station in Gojra, with the case drawing significant attention from the local community and beyond.
According to the FIR, the incident allegedly occurred on December 21, 2024, at approximately 1:00 PM. The complainant, Atta Ul-Mustafa, an imam of the local mosque, stated in his complaint that while he was present at Hamam Chowk, two individuals, Muhammad Imran and Rabnawaz, approached him to report that Shazia Younis had burned some books outside her house. It was alleged that amongst the burned materials, there were Islamic texts containing Quranic verses.
The FIR further states that Shazia Younis admitted to the act, which the complainant argued was a deliberate attempt to desecrate Quranic verses, thereby offending the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. The complainant demanded her immediate arrest and punishment under the blasphemy laws.
Acting swiftly, law enforcement registered the case under Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to the desecration of the Quran. The police have launched an investigation into the matter, with additional charges under other provisions potentially being considered depending on the outcome of the inquiry.
Given the sensitivity of the case, law enforcement has been directed to handle the matter with the utmost caution. The incident has further inflamed discussions around Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which are often criticized for being prone to misuse, particularly against vulnerable communities.
Minority rights groups and advocacy organisations have expressed concern over the case, urging authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation. "Blasphemy laws are frequently weaponised to target religious minorities in Pakistan. This case underscores the need for reforms to prevent abuse," said one rights activist.
Blasphemy laws remain a polarising issue in Pakistan, drawing criticism from international human rights organisations and foreign governments. While supporters argue that these laws protect religious sanctities, critics highlight the lack of safeguards against false accusations and the disproportionately adverse impact on religious minorities.
