CIVIL AND POLITICAL LIBERTIES AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN PAKISTAN: A CASE STUDY OF SACRILEGIOUS LAWS IN PUNJAB

Abstract

The debate of civil and political liberties and context of excluded group is not an issue of a single country but a global phenomenon; however, the context of Pakistan is complex and complicated that have arrested the attention of international community. Specifically, the context of excluded groups, fundamental freedoms, and constitutional guarantees are much debated. This research paper primarily concentrates upon assessing the socio-cultural and socio-political context and practicality of equal status of citizenship amid the discriminatory laws and policies. More specifically, the research study opens a debate on sacrilegious laws and vulnerability of religious minorities. This research study explains that how supportive behavior towards religious extremist elements and often turning a blind eye to mob violence, have undermined the very possibility of equality in citizenship. Through qualitative method adopting inductive approach, the analysis is based on case studies of mob-violence, data related sacrilegious laws, and institutional framework for minorities. Simultaneously, the study also discussed the constitutional guarantees in the light of international human rights framework and its translation into practical actions de-facto and de-jure. The study highlighted that the misconceptions associated with and misinterpretation of apostasy, have laid a foundation to misuse of sacrilegious laws – with vague definition and stringent penalties. Such context increases the likelihood to abuse, where mere allegations could endanger hundreds of lives of the religious minorities.