The Experience of Minorities Under Pakistan's Blasphemy Laws

Human rights activists repeatedly assert that the blasphemy laws of Pakistan are discriminatory and violate human rights guaranteed by both the Constitution of Pakistan and international treaties. However, supporters of the blasphemy laws vehemently disagree with this view. They argue that Pakistan's blasphemy laws are not discriminatory and apply equally to all citizens of Pakistan. In support of this, they offer the evidence that the majority of those accused of blasphemy belong to the Muslim community. This article examines this argument in the light of the experience of minorities living under Pakistan's blasphemy laws. While the blasphemy laws have undoubtedly affected all the minority groups in Pakistan to a greater or lesser extent, this article will focus on Christians and Ahmadis as these are the two minorities most affected by the blasphemy laws.