Muhammad Shafi (45) and his son Muhammad Aslam (20) were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 2,20,000 each by the Anti Terrorism Court Dera Ghazi Khan on the charge of desecration of posters of Eid-Milad-un-Nabi. The case was registered against them under sections 295-C, 295-A (Blasphemy law) and anti Terrorism act 7-G on the report of Phool Muhammad Khan resident of village No 528/TDA in Muzaffargarh district on April 8, 2010.
The Judge Muhammad Marth said that the complainant alleged that Muhammad Shafi and his son Muhammad Aslam removed posters of birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from his shop and then they threw these posters on the road and crushed under their feet. The Judge said the convict can file an appeal in High Court within seven days after announcement of the judgement.
The court awarded them life term imprisonment and fined Rs 0.2 million (2350 US dollars) each under section 295-c on the charge of blasphemy. The court awarded them 10-year rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000 each under section 295-A on the charge removing the posters from the wall.
Besides, they were sentenced to 15 years RI and fined Rs 10,000 each under anti Terrorism act for creating a law and order situation by hurting the religious sentiments of a section of society. All these sentences would begin simultaneously under section 382 Cr P C.
They would have to undergo further six months imprisonment in default of payment of fine. (Section 295- C describes feelings of any class of the citizens of Pakistan, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations insults the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both.
"Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
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