Alarming Pattern of Blasphemy-Related Killings in Pakistan

On September 19, police in Sindh, Pakistan, reported the shooting death of doctor Shah Nawaz, who faced blasphemy allegations, VOA revealed. During a raid intended to arrest him, police claimed Nawaz and an accomplice, fleeing on a motorcycle, opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Nawaz, a Muslim and hospital employee, had been dismissed after residents accused him of sharing “blasphemous posts” on Facebook, which he denied, stating his social media account was misused.

This incident follows the killing of Abdul Ali, a 52-year-old hotel owner, in Quetta just a week earlier. Ali was shot by a police officer while in custody for allegedly posting derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet. His death sparked public outrage, although his family later forgave the officer, citing religious reasons.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned both killings, urging independent investigations. Critics highlight the dangerous misuse of blasphemy laws, leading to mob violence and extrajudicial actions against suspects, particularly minorities.