Blasphemy arrests in Pakistan: two cases in three days show a law that punishes words | Column

Blasphemy arrests in Pakistan keep coming, and this week brought two more. This column argues that a law punishing words cannot protect faith. It can only frighten the vulnerable.

On 2 October, police in Charsadda arrested a man over alleged remarks about the Prophet Muhammad, his wives and his family. A crowd of religious scholars and residents gathered at Umarzai police station, the Daily Independent reported. Details of the case were still awaited.

On 5 October, Dawn reported that a fruit vendor and vlogger in Rahim Yar Khan was booked. Police acted after a sub-inspector watched a video posted on TikTok and Facebook. The case is under sections 295 and 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code. The video allegedly insulted companions of the Prophet during a sectarian dispute.

Why blasphemy arrests in Pakistan matter

These are accusations, not verdicts. I do not repeat the alleged words, and nothing here judges guilt. The pattern is the point. A remark, a video or a quarrel becomes a criminal case. A crowd appears outside the station. The state then faces pressure to act.

For ex-Muslims and doubters, that pressure is the daily reality. Leaving a faith is not a crime under ordinary law. Yet an honest question can be recast as an insult. Many people keep quiet, change their names or leave. Silence is the real price.

Both cases also show the sectarian edge. One involves the Prophet’s family and the other his companions. Believers use the same laws against one another. Protecting religion from criticism ends up fuelling disputes inside religion.

Pakistan is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Article 19 protects freedom of expression. Laws that punish opinion on religion sit uneasily with it. We made the wider case in our column on how the blasphemy law devours the innocent.

What should happen? Lawmakers should repeal sections that criminalise speech. At minimum, prosecutors should need strong evidence, and police should refuse to bow to crowds. Believers who feel hurt have other remedies. Debate, protest and persuasion do not need a prison cell.

This is an opinion column. Fact basis: Daily Independent (2 October 2026) and Dawn (5 October 2026). The people named in these reports are accused and have not been convicted.