Rise in Blasphemy Cases may Haunt Religious Tourism in Pakistan

Religious tolerance is crucial for fostering harmony in Pakistan, a diverse country where Islam is the state’s religion but religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs form a significant part of the population. Pakistan’s history has been marked by tensions fueled by religious tolerance. In recent years we witnessed an increase in mob violence, social discrimination and fear among non-Muslim communities. It is important to promote religious tolerance to counter the increasing incidents of violence. We have to ensure that all citizens, regardless of faith, enjoy equal rights as guaranteed by constitution of Pakistan. Religious tolerance is essential for maintaining peace, protecting human rights, and enabling social and economic progress in a nation where sectarian violence has often destabilized communities. If the country fails to promote religious tolerance it still damaging Pakistan’s international reputation regarding human rights and it further isolate minority groups.

Religious Tourism ha an important role in Pakistan’s economy and cultural heritage. It is home to several important religious sites, country attracts pilgrims from around the world, particularly from Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic communities. The Kartarpur Corridor, a key pilgrimage site for Sikhs, is one of the most prominent examples. It allows Indian Sikhs to visit the Gurduwara Darbar Sahib without a visa, it helps to nurturing in international tourism and boosting local economies. Buddhist heritage sites such as the ancient city of Taxila and the Buddhist monasteries in Swat, are internationally acknowledge for their historical importance. Hindu temples like the Katas Raj Temples and the Hinglaj Mata Temple also attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. By developing religious tourism Pakistan will get opportunities to improve its international image and make his ties more strengthen ties with neighboring countries.

In this year we witness a surge in blasphemy cases in Pakistan which is very fearful. It has drawn international attention due to escalating violence and misuse of the laws. Shagufta Kiran case and extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shah Nawaz highlight the growing tensions. We witnessed many times that blasphemy accusations often lead to mob violence; religious minorities got attacked which contribute to instability. This issue has great impact on human rights, religious freedom and the misuse of laws for personal issues, it also raises the concerns about Pakistan’s legal and social system.

In last two months, country witnessed several blasphemy cases which also gained the international attention. In mid of September a Christian woman named Shagufta Kiran was sentenced to death by a court in Islamabad. She alleged for sharing blasphemous content on WhatsApp. The stance of her legal team was that she was not the author of the content she may forward it. Around the same time there were occurs two incidents of extrajudicial killing by police. One is Dr. Shah Nawaz case; his age was 32-year-old and he was a doctor from Sindh. He was killed by the police after being accused of blasphemy. He had surrendered himself to police but he was killed in a fake encounter. Second case happened in Balochistan, A man being shot inside a police station after similar accusations. These incidents highlight a shocking trend of law enforcement in blasphemy related violence.

The incident of Dr Shah Nawaz occurred in the district of Mirpur Khas, a semi urban area, Shah Nawaz surrendered himself to the police, he was alleged for sharing of blasphemous content on social media. Police assured him a fair trial so surrendered himself but sadly he was killed in a fake encounter staged by police. The sad killing of Dr. Shah Nawaz happened after a mob in Umerkot, had already burned down his clinic and demanded his arrest. Social media plays a vital role in killing of Dr. Shah Nawas as he was accused of sharing blasphemous content online. The provincial government eventually admitted the police’s involvement in his murder, this acknowledgment is very rare in this kind of extrajudicial killing. This case also highlights how social media can play a dangerous role in inflaming religious sentiments and the severe consequences of unchecked mob justice.

Shagufta kiran was the citizen of Rawalpindi, Pakistan an urban area, a major city of Pakistan. She was a Christian by religion, she has four children, she was accused of sharing blasphemous content in a WhatsApp group in 2020. Social media also played a vital role in this case as well. Shagufta was arrested by FIA and after a trial that lasted for three years, she was sentenced to death in September 2024 by a court under Section 295-C of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. This case emphasizes the explosive intersection of social media, religious sentiments and legal action in Pakistan’s blasphemy landscape.

The rise in blasphemy cases like Shagufta Kiran and Dr. Shah Nawaz has led to decline in religious tourism in Pakistan. International religious tourists, including Sikh pilgrims form India and Buddhist tourists from East Asia have canceled visits due to their concerns over safety and intolerance. It also impacts on Pakistan’s image as a hub of religious tourism. It reduced government investment in religious tourism infrastructure, harming long-term tourism vision.

It is now necessary to reforms Pakistan’s blasphemy laws to prevent their misuse which often lead to violence and injustice. There is need of strict safeguard including penalties for false accusations and ensuring fair trials. We have to promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue is crucial to counter religious extremism, fostering a culture o coexistence. The government and civil society should collaborate to address local issues while maintaining Pakistan’s status as a religious tourism destination. To achieve this we have to promote education, make sure legal protections for minorities and create safe environment for religious tourists, it ensures both economic growth and social harmony.