Pakistani Court Sentences Five Individuals to Death for Online Blasphemy

RAWALPINDI: A Pakistani court has sentenced five individuals to death for sharing blasphemous content on social media, marking one of the most severe rulings in recent years.

The verdict, delivered by a Rawalpindi court, also includes life imprisonment and additional jail terms totaling 100 years for the accused. According to case records, the individuals were found guilty of posting content deemed offensive under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

The case was initiated after a formal complaint was filed, leading authorities to launch an investigation. A raid was conducted, resulting in the arrest of a key suspect, with four others identified through digital forensics. The court determined that their actions violated multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), leading to their conviction.

Blasphemy remains a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, where accusations—sometimes without concrete evidence—can trigger public outrage. In recent years, vigilante groups have increasingly monitored online spaces for alleged violations, raising concerns among human rights activists about potential misuse of the laws.

This ruling comes at a time when another high-profile blasphemy case is making headlines. YouTuber Rajab Butt, currently performing Umrah, faces legal trouble over his “295” perfume launch, a reference to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. His marketing campaign sparked controversy, leading to blasphemy-related charges against him.

As Pakistan continues to witness an increase in blasphemy-related cases, legal experts and activists are calling for a more cautious approach to handling such accusations to prevent misuse and ensure due process.