Islamabad, July 15, 2025: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday directed the federal government to establish a commission within 30 days to investigate the handling and implementation of blasphemy-related cases across Pakistan.
The order was issued by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan while hearing a series of petitions calling for an independent inquiry into the misuse and impact of blasphemy laws.
In a significant ruling, the court not only accepted the petitions but also mandated that the commission complete its proceedings within four months of its formation. If more time is needed, the commission may seek an extension from the court.
The directive comes amid growing concern over the misuse of blasphemy laws and their devastating consequences for the accused, many of whom remain in prison for years without conviction.
According to a report by the National Commission for Human Rights, published in October 2024, at least 767 individuals, mostly young men, are currently in jail across Pakistan awaiting trial on blasphemy charges.
Welcoming the court’s decision, human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari, who represents several families affected by such cases, said: “This is a huge ray of hope and it’s the first time that the families have felt heard.” She emphasized the irreversible social damage these cases inflict. “Youngsters have been falsely roped into cases of such a sensitive nature that the stigma will last forever—even if they are acquitted.”
The case has drawn attention to the role of groups like the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan (LCBP), one of the most prominent legal entities involved in prosecuting individuals, particularly young men, under blasphemy laws.
The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over the application of religious laws in Pakistan and signals a potential shift towards greater accountability and legal scrutiny in blasphemy-related proceedings.
