Amnesty International has urged the Pakistani authorities to launch a “thorough, impartial, and independent” investigation into the recent extrajudicial killings of two individuals accused of blasphemy in Balochistan and Sindh.
In a statement released on Friday, Amnesty International condemned Pakistan’s failure to protect fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life, freedom of religion or belief, and protection from discrimination.
The organization highlighted two recent incidents, stating, “On 19 September, a doctor accused of blasphemy was shot dead by police officers in a so-called ‘police encounter’ in Umerkot, Sindh. Earlier, on 12 September, a police officer shot and killed a blasphemy suspect in custody in Quetta, Balochistan.”
Amnesty also raised concerns over the growing impunity for those involved in blasphemy-related violence, citing the example of the blasphemy suspect killed in Quetta. According to Amnesty, the victim’s family was pressured into forgiving the police officer involved in the killing under Pakistani laws, which allow victims’ heirs to pardon perpetrators in cases of murder or injury. This, Amnesty said, has enabled a pattern where accountability is often avoided.
The organization further pointed out the increasing trend of violence related to blasphemy accusations in 2024, noting that at least four people have been killed in mob attacks since May. These incidents occurred in Sargodha (Punjab), Swat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Quetta (Balochistan), and Mirpurkhas (Sindh).
Amnesty International called for immediate accountability and urged Pakistani authorities to ensure justice. “Pakistani authorities must conduct a full, impartial, and independent investigation into these incidents and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted in fair and transparent trials, without resorting to the death penalty.”
The rights group also reiterated its call for Pakistan to repeal its blasphemy laws, stating that they have long contributed to “discrimination and violence” within the country.