Pakistan Court Sentences Student To Death Over Blasphemous WhatsApp Texts

Last week, a judge in Gujranwala, Punjab province, sentenced 22-year-old student Junaid Munir to death, while 17-year-old Abdul Hanan received a life sentence in two separate cases. Both individuals were found guilty of sharing blasphemous content via WhatsApp, a charge they vehemently denied and have the right to appeal.

The convictions come amidst growing criticism from domestic and international human rights groups, who argue that blasphemy allegations are frequently used to intimidate religious minorities and settle personal scores. Pakistan's blasphemy laws prescribe the death penalty for insulting religion or religious figures, leading to concerns about the potential for abuse.

Junaid Munir's father, Munir Hussain, disputes the charges against his son, emphasizing their commitment to Islam and love for the Prophet Muhammad. Fearing for their safety, the family is living in hiding due to the perceived threat from some members of their village.

The accused students were initially booked by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Lahore for sharing blasphemous material through WhatsApp. The FIA, examining the complainant's phone, confirmed the transmission of "obscene material," leading to the charges.

Defense lawyers argued that the students were "trapped in a false case," a sentiment echoed by Munir Hussain, who is now seeking to file an appeal in the Lahore High Court to challenge his son's death sentence.

Blasphemy convictions are not uncommon in Pakistan, and though executions have not been carried out under these charges, accusations alone have led to deadly riots. In August 2023, a Christian man's alleged desecration of the Holy Qur'an triggered attacks on churches and homes in Jaranwala, drawing condemnation from the government and rights groups.

The recent convictions raise renewed concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws and their impact on religious minorities. Critics argue that the laws, rooted in 19th-century colonial legislation and strengthened in the 1980s, contribute to an environment where vigilante justice prevails, with mobs lynching individuals before their cases even reach trial.