IHC Suspends Commission Formation Order in Blasphemy Case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stayed the execution of a prior ruling that mandated the establishment of a commission to probe allegations connected to blasphemy.

A two-judge bench, consisting of Justice Khadim Hussain and Justice Azam Khan, issued the directive on Thursday, thereby suspending the verdict that Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan had announced the previous week.

The suspension comes after Advocate Rao Abdul Rahim lodged an intra-court appeal challenging the decision to create the commission.

Previously, Justice Ejaz had accepted requests seeking the creation of a commission to investigate the handling and implementation of blasphemy laws.

He had instructed the federal government to form the entity within a month and stipulated that it conclude its work within four months. The commission was permitted to seek an extension from the court if additional time was needed.

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

Regarding the earlier directive, lawyer Imaan Mazari commented, “This represents a significant beacon of hope, marking the first instance where the families feel their concerns have been acknowledged.”