ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Thursday stressed the need for procedural safeguards, fair investigation and judicial sensitivity in blasphemy-related cases, urging educational reforms to promote tolerance and civic responsibility.
The minister said this while addressing a national symposium on ‘Interfaith Harmony and Fundamental Rights — A Constitutional Imperative,’ organized by the Federal Judicial Academy and the Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan under the auspices of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Blasphemy, punishable by death as per Pakistani law, is a sensitive subject in Muslim-majority Pakistan where mere accusations have led to street lynchings. Human rights groups say Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws are often misused to settle personal scores.
In his address, Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s recent policy and legislative initiatives, including the Interfaith Harmony Policy, the National Action Plan and the establishment of Minority Protection Cells and Human Rights Awareness Programs, to promote inclusivity and safeguard minority rights.
“Respect for minorities and protection of their rights lie at the heart of Pakistan’s Constitution and remain a fundamental responsibility of the State,” he was quoted as saying by the Press Information Department (PID).
