Blasphemy law.
The Pakistan Penal Code prohibits blasphemy against any recognized religion, providing penalties ranging from a fine to death. By the constitution (Article 2), Islam is the state religion. By the constitution's Article 31, it is the country's duty to foster the Islamic way of life. By Article 33, it is the country's duty to discourage parochial, racial, tribal, sectarian, and provincial prejudices among the citizens.
298 states: Whoever, with the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person or makes any gesture in the sight of that person or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
298-A prohibits the use of any derogatory remark or representation in respect of Muslim holy personages.
298-B and 298-C prohibit the Ahmadiyya from behaving as Muslims behave, calling themselves Muslims, proselytising, or "in any manner whatsoever" outraging the religious feelings of Muslims. Violation of any part of 298 makes the violator liable to imprisonment for up to three years and liable also to a fine.
Now comes the tragic part of this whole issue.... To date No judicial execution for blasphemy has ever occurred in Pakistan, but 20 of those charged were murdered by Vigilantism.
Can I be brave enough to ask, why are we Lynching People even before we as a law abiding nation able to judge them through Court of Law. We cry like babies to protect Section 298, but it looks like we do not establish proper conduct in execution of the above law.
Section 298 in theory is been used as a Tool for discrimination. If we as Muslim have the dynamism to implement this law we should also go through the process of making sure to implement the whole Law. Technically speaking we are a nation who is using (cashing) Prophet pbuh Name to implement lynching of the weak and unprotected. May Allah SWT help us all?
Just for the sake of study I have provided information on the Act Punishment section.
Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860)
Act XLV of 1860
October 6th, 1860
CHAPTER III
OF PUNISHMENTS.
