IHC Orders Formation of Commission to Probe Blasphemy Cases

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has instructed the federal government to establish a commission within a month to conduct inquiries into cases related to blasphemy.

Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan gave this directive during the proceedings of petitions requesting the establishment of an investigative commission to assess the enforcement of blasphemy regulations.

Upon accepting the petitions, the court mandated that the commission must conclude its work within four months of its creation. Additionally, the IHC stated that the commission could seek an extension from the court if more time is needed to finalize its responsibilities.

According to a report issued by the government’s National Commission for Human Rights in October of the previous year, 767 individuals, predominantly young men, were incarcerated while awaiting trial on accusations of blasphemy.

“This provides a significant amount of optimism, and for the first time, the families have felt acknowledged,” stated lawyer Imaan Mazari, representing the families of the detained individuals, regarding the court’s decision.

She further noted, “Young people have been unjustly implicated in such delicate cases, resulting in an enduring stigma even if they are found not guilty.”

The Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan (LCBP) stands out as one of the most active groups of lawyers involved in the prosecution of young individuals in Pakistan.