ISLAMABAD: Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan of the Islamabad High Court has ordered the formation of a commission to investigate allegations that a group implicated hundreds of youth in blasphemy cases and then extorted money from them.
The court said that during hearings, evidence was found suggesting possible collusion between the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and certain individuals.
The judge noted that these cases need careful review to prevent misuse of the blasphemy laws. The commission will look into how these investigations were carried out and whether the law was used to target people unfairly.
During the hearing, the court also took notice of allegations about an organized “blasphemy business” involving certain lawyers, including Advocate Rao Abdur Rahim, and others who were accused of using the law to harass or blackmail people. The judge said these claims must be investigated to uncover any criminal networks misusing religious laws for personal gain.
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are highly sensitive and carry severe penalties, including death. Human rights groups have long warned that these laws are often misused to settle personal scores or persecute minorities. The court’s decision to set up a commission is seen as an effort to ensure fair investigations and protect innocent people from wrongful accusations.
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