Hawzah News Agency- Addressing a gathering of religious scholars from various faiths, Hujjat al-Islam Syed Sabtain Haider Sabzewari, a senior member of the Shia Ulema Council of Pakistan, described the exploitation of blasphemy allegations for personal, political, or sectarian motives as an “old and dangerous wound” in Pakistani society.
"The blasphemy law has, in some instances, been turned into a tool for personal revenge, political manipulation, and mob violence,” Sabzewari said. “Such misuse has led to gross injustices, deepened societal divisions, and severely damaged the image of Islam and Pakistan on the global stage."
The cleric cited several tragic incidents as examples, including the brutal lynching of a Sri Lankan factory manager in Sialkot, attacks on Christian neighborhoods, and ongoing persecution of religious minorities. These events, he said, highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive review and restructuring of the legal framework surrounding blasphemy-related cases.
Sabzewari called for the immediate formation of a judicial commission to investigate these incidents and monitor the implementation of the blasphemy law. “The formation of this commission is a national necessity,” he stated, urging lawmakers to remove any legal or political hurdles to its establishment.
He also expressed concern over the findings of recent court proceedings in Islamabad, revealing troubling evidence of fabricated allegations and procedural irregularities. “The bitter truths exposed in these hearings underscore the need for an impartial and thorough inquiry. No one should be allowed to commit crimes or settle personal disputes under the guise of religion,” he added.
Calling on religious leaders of all faiths to speak with a unified voice, Sabzewari said it was the duty of scholars to protect the innocent and uphold justice. “Religious communities must clearly condemn all forms of misuse of the blasphemy law and stand together in defense of truth and human dignity.”
His remarks have sparked renewed debate across Pakistan, where human rights groups and civil society activists have long called for reforms to prevent abuse of the controversial law.
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