-61700.html&is_video=&description=Two+sisters+released+after+blasphemy+charges+%28but+still+risk+lynching%29)
Two sisters released after blasphemy charges (but still risk lynching)
Accused of throwing away waste paper with sacred inscriptions, a fact they denied. The lawyer speaks of bad intentions towards the women, one of whom is also a widow. Activist Joseph Jansen: ‘This abuse of the laws must stop before more innocent lives are lost’.
Toba Tek Singh (AsiaNews) - The court in Toba Tek Singh has released on bail Saima and her sister Sonia, two women falsely accused of blasphemy. The sisters, originally from village 304 in the Tehsil Gojra, Toba Tek Singh district, had been accused two months ago of throwing away a sack containing waste paper with sacred inscriptions into an abandoned lot.
Saima, a volunteer health worker, and Sonia, who runs a school, vehemently denied the allegations, saying they were not involved in the incident. ‘We lived separately and did not throw any sacks on that ground,’ Saima defended herself. I have been working with the Muslim community for years and deeply respect all divine books. The accusations are unfounded and were made out of malice'.
According to their lawyer, Chaudhry Haneef Hameed Mithu, the case was raised with bad intentions against them, with the intention of settling personal scores. Mithu also pointed out that Saima is a widow who is solely responsible for supporting her children after the death of her husband and parents. Despite the difficulties, she has continued to work for the community, making the allegations even more unfounded.
The court, led by Judge Waseem Mubarak, granted bail to the two women after examining the case. Attorney Mithu emphasised that this is a significant victory, as it is the first time that two women have been found innocent in a blasphemy case. However, the threat of mob violence remains: the sisters and their families live in constant fear of lynching.
Minority rights activist Joseph Jansen expressed deep concern about the abuse of the blasphemy laws in Pakistan. ‘The case of Saima and Sonia is another example of how blasphemy laws are used to settle personal vendettas. These laws, which carry the death penalty, have led to mob violence and extrajudicial executions. This must stop before more innocent lives are lost'.
Jansen cited recent cases of blasphemy-related violence, including the killing of Nazir Masih in Sargodha in May 2024, the extrajudicial killing of a blasphemy suspect in Quetta on 12 September 2024, and the killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kanbar by a police officer in Umerkot district on 18 September 2024.
In the latter case, Dr Kanbar, accused of blasphemy, had fled from the crowd only to be killed in police custody, while his body was set on fire as his family tried to bury him. ‘It is time for Pakistan to protect its citizens and uphold the rule of law,’ Jansen concluded.
.png)
