Pakistan: As a result of the arrest of a Shia cleric for blasphemy under Pakistan‘s strengthened blasphemy laws, there have been widespread protests in the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan area. With “Chalo, chalo Kargil chalo” chants tearing the air, the protests are said to be the greatest the area has ever seen. Local leaders in Gilgit warned the Pakistani government of an impending civil war, and some even called for a union with India.
Shia Cleric’s Arrest Sparks Riots in Skardu over Blasphemy Laws
After Shia cleric Agha Baqir al-Hussaini was detained and booked for his remarks during a religious gathering, riots by the locals of Skardu erupted. Agha Baqir al-Hussaini was detained for his comments at a Skardu ulema council meeting when it was discussed if Pakistan should tighten its blasphemy laws in order to attack the Shia community. The fundamental principles of Islam are the same for Shias and Sunnis, although Shias do not venerate Islamic leaders who fought against the fourth Caliph, Ali. Although Shias make up a sizable portion of the population in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan is a nation with a Sunni majority. Since Gen Zia-Ul Haq’s rule, many Pakistani governments have attempted to alter the demographics of Gilgit-Baltistan by resettling Sunnis there.
Gilgit-Baltistan Protests Escalate, Locals Threaten Civil War and Union with India
Baltistan, Diamer, and Gilgit are the three administrative divisions of the Gilgit-Baltistan area. The towns of Gilgit and Skardu serve as the primary administrative hubs. Despite the Pakistani media’s lack of coverage of the protests in Gilgit, social media has seen the emergence of videos and accounts that show the intensity of the unrest. Since most of it cannot be verified, even this is simply a trickle. The Pakistani establishment’s control over communication in the occupied territory is what led to this. Protesters may be heard yelling anti-Pakistan and General Asim Munir chants. Videos also show local authorities warning that if the route remained closed, people would instead travel to Kargil rather than Sindh or Punjab (both in Pakistan). a reference to the union of India and Gilgit. In addition, they threatened civil war if their demands for al-Hussaini’s release and the opening of the route weren’t fulfilled.
Pakistan Tightens Blasphemy Laws, Shia Cleric Accused of Cursing Yazid
In January, Pakistan tightened its already stringent blasphemy laws by expanding their scope to include anybody who insulted those associated with the Prophet Muhammad. The amendment now makes it a criminal to slander the Prophet Muhammad’s associates, which includes many early Muslims. The point of dispute here is one of them: Yazid. Al-Hussaini is accused of cursing Yazid, the son of Muawiya, in the speech that sparked the blasphemy accusations. On Yazid’s command, Hussain (the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson) was slain during the Battle of Karbala.
Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan Draw Criticism from Human Rights Groups
The minimum punishment for insulting well-known leaders of Islam in Pakistan has recently been doubled under an amended law from three to ten years in prison and a fine of one million Pakistani rupees.The life sentence is the most severe punishment, making blasphemy a felony that is not subject to release on bail.The Ahmadis, who had already been designated as non-Muslims, were the focus of an earlier amendment to the blasphemy legislation.Human rights advocates are concerned about potential discrimination against minority groups, particularly Shia Muslims who have unfavourable views of some early Muslims. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed worry that proposed revisions might unfairly victimise minorities and factions due to Pakistan’s history of abusing these laws. This might lead to false allegations, mistreatment, and dictatorship.
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