KARACHI: Another wave of anger has triggered across the nation after a young Christian girl was reportedly accused of violating blasphemy laws in the country by burning pages from the holy Qur’an.
According to article 295-B of the blasphemy law, people are forbidden from defiling the holy
Qur’an and the crime merits the sentence of life-imprisonment.
Amnesty International has called on the Pakistani government to seriously look into the matter and possibly even think about reforming the law.
They are calling for the immediate return and safe-keeping of Ramsha Masih, an 11-year-old
child with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is associated with a delay in cognitive ability and physical growth, and a
particular set of facial characteristics.
The average IQ of young adults with Down syndrome is around 50, compared to children without
the condition who boast an IQ of 100 or over.
The Human Rights commission of Pakistan is demanding the immediate release and protection of
the young girl as she is disabled with clear symptoms of Down syndrome.
However, article 298 of the blasphemy law states that, “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.”
Upon hearing the allegation, residents from the neighbourhood attacked Ramsha’s home in a
fit of rage.
More than 300 Christians reportedly fled the area and the Masih family remains in hiding as
their defenceless daughter suffers behind bars.
The Christian community is upset with the incident and claim to respect every religion.
“The stalwarts of the community have great respect for other religions as well as their
followers and they cannot even think of blasphemy,” All-Pakistan Christian League (APCL)
Chairman Professor Salamat Akhtar said during a meeting.
Ramsha is currently being held in a jail in Rawalpindi.
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