Pakistan Court Orders Inquiry Into Alleged Entrapment in Online Blasphemy Cases

Pakistan Court Orders Inquiry Into Alleged Entrapment in Online Blasphemy Cases
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A Pakistani court has directed the government to launch an inquiry into claims that young people are being deliberately trapped in online blasphemy cases, following appeals from hundreds of families, media outlets reported. Reports indicate a rise in arrests, mostly of young men, accused of committing blasphemy in WhatsApp groups since 2022.

Rights advocates and police say private law firms often bring these cases to trial, using volunteers to monitor the internet for possible violations. Islamabad High Court Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan ordered the creation of a commission within 30 days, with findings due in four months.

Blasphemy remains a highly sensitive offense in Pakistan, carrying the death penalty and often leading to social ostracism, violence, or mob attacks even without evidence. A National Commission for Human Rights report noted that 767 people, mainly young men, are currently awaiting trial.

A leaked 2024 Punjab police report suggested a network was entrapping youth for possible financial gain. Despite leading figures defending their actions as religious duty, families hope the investigation will expose the truth and bring relief.