Implications for the Nation
Sherry Rehman has recognized that support for the blasphemy law is a symptom of the increasing extremism in Pakistan that has led to increasing disregard for human rights: “Even with full repeal, the abuse of minorities won’t stop. Most cases are perpetrated by mobs.”
She goes on to say, “They, too, must know the law will take cognizance of their behaviour as criminal and liable for punishment.” However, authorities have turned a blind eye to the mobs, perhaps out of fear, ideology or lack of capacity. The weakness of the judiciary is exposed as the public enforces the blasphemy law rather than the courts.
The implications of this are far-reaching. Democracy in Pakistan is weak to say the least – Pakistanis may be able to vote, but stale political choices and lack of protection for minority rights reveal the regressive nature of the political system.
The deep political divide, however, is not as clear as it may first appear. Those who oppose the blasphemy law face a muzzle on their freedom of speech – the price of removing the muzzle proved too high for Mr. Taseer.
The true failure of the nation lies in the irony of a country created to protect a population from becoming a sidelined minority to later rearing its ugly head as a mob majority.
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