The issue of offensive content, particularly blasphemy, has always been a sensitive matter in Pakistan, given that the majority of the population is Muslim. In the past, social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube have been blocked due to the presence of obscene content. While blocking the internet affects businesses and millions of people, it cannot be ignored that offensive content on social media platforms has the potential to hurt the sentiments of millions of Pakistanis.
It is worth noting that YouTube was blocked from 2012 to 2016 after it hosted a film about the Prophet Muhammad, causing widespread grief in the Muslim world. Furthermore, there has been a recurring campaign of insulting Allah, Prophet Muhammad, other Prophets, their Companions, the religion of Islam, and the Holy Quran. This continuous disrespect not only affects Muslims but also undermines their faith. It is incumbent upon the followers of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to fully defend his honor and uphold the respect owed to him. Loving the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is an integral part of the faith of every Muslim.
Historically, Muslims, Christians, and Jews used to refrain from insulting Islam, the Quran, and our beloved Prophet due to their status as people of the book. However, events such as the publication of Salman Rushdie’s book during the Soviet Union’s retreat and subsequent political asylum granted to Rushdie in Britain under the guise of freedom of expression created strong protests throughout the Islamic world, including Pakistan. Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued an order to kill Rushdie and offered a reward for it.
Subsequently, the events of September 11, 2001, led to significant changes, with Afghanistan being attacked shortly after the tragedy, followed by Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Sudan. The war imposed by the United States and Western countries not only fueled Islamophobia under the pretext of freedom of expression but also subjected Muslims to various forms of discrimination. Muslim women were forcibly prevented from wearing headscarves, and Muslim citizens of Western countries were humiliated. Additionally, millions of Muslims lost their lives in conflicts in Syria, Sudan, and Libya. Since the early 1980s, a global campaign against Islam and Muslims has been underway, portraying Muslims as terrorists and purveyors of negative ideologies, instead of addressing the demands for justice.
While acts of extreme cruelty have also occurred in places like Burma (Myanmar), as well as the mistreatment of Muslims in India and Israel, the massacre of 51 Muslims in a mosque in New Zealand on March 15, 2019, deeply impacted Muslims worldwide. The response of the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, set an example for the world, highlighting that the suffering of nearly two billion Muslims cannot be justified as freedom of expression. Islamophobia, in reality, is an irrational fear perpetuated by anti-Islamic extremists globally.
It is essential to recognize that throughout history, Muslim countries and rulers have coexisted with other religious communities, including Jews, Christians, and Hindus. Muslims continue to name their children after all the prophets and messengers, including Prophet Muhammad. However, there are extremists within various religious groups who commit violent acts against Muslims. Genocide is occurring in Muslim-majority regions such as Kashmir and Palestine, despite the existence of United Nations Resolutions advocating for freedom and independence.
In light of these circumstances, the commendable initiative by the PDM government is to take legal measures against those who disrespect the sentiments of followers of all religions, not just Islam. This approach aims to promote harmony, respect, and understanding among different faiths within the country.
For example, it has been stated that in such a case
- https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/RegisterComplaint.aspx or email FIA at [email protected] or
- File a complaint on helpline 051-111-345-786 or
- Immediately report to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony through the email address [email protected] or WhatsApp 0306-333255
