BLASPHEMY LAWS IN PAKISTAN: A TOOL FOR INTERFAITH HARMONY AND SOCIAL COHESION

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop the arguments that blasphemy laws as outlined in Pakistan penal code, 1860 (hereinafter PPC) might be serve as a potential tool to bring interfaith harmony and social cohesion in Pakistan. The given framework in PPC was inherited from the British which was subsequently amended and refined. However, these amendments and changes invited internal and external severe criticism alleging that these laws are sever in nature, source of disorder in society, in violation of human rights, hurdle in freedom of expression and a tool to settle personal grudges. Adopting doctrinal legal research, the present study demonstrated that the various provisions of PPC related to offences against religion work as a tool to maintain law and order in the society. The study also reveals that these provisions ensure respect for all religions, preserves inter and intra-religious conflicts, halt hate speech and hostility, and safeguards the religious believes of both majority and minority communities. Additionally, it advocates to provide penal clause in PPC if blasphemy laws are misused. It is strongly expected that the present study will make substantial contribution to the ongoing debate on the suitability of blasphemy laws in Pakistan as a mechanism to maintain law order in the society.