Two Pakistani women have been found guilty and given death sentences for the killing of their madrassa teacher, allegedly over blasphemy accusations.
This incident unfolded in Dera Ismail Khan city in March 2022, marking yet another instance where blasphemy allegations have triggered severe consequences in the Muslim-majority nation.
According to authorities, the tragic event involved “three female students allegedly [committing] their local female cleric over blasphemy allegations.”
This statement was provided by a local police official, Muhammad Haris, to AFP.
Following a thorough investigation and legal proceedings, a district judge delivered the verdict, sentencing two local madrasa students to death and one to life imprisonment for their roles in the murder.
The convicted individuals include two women aged 23 and 24, while the third is a 16-year-old.
Despite the existence of the death penalty in Pakistan’s legal framework, executions have been rare since 2020, as reported by Amnesty International.
Nevertheless, numerous women continue to reside on death row, with some enduring prolonged periods of uncertainty regarding their fate.
This incident is not an isolated one within Pakistan. Recent months have witnessed a surge in high-profile blasphemy cases, underscoring the volatile nature of such accusations in the country.
In one instance in February, law enforcement had to intervene in Lahore when a woman wearing a shirt featuring Arabic calligraphy faced a mob alleging blasphemy.
Despite the garment bearing no offensive content, misconceptions led to a potentially dangerous situation.
Additionally, Pakistan’s highest judicial authority has faced threats after making decisions perceived as lenient towards individuals accused of blasphemy.
Such incidents highlight the profound societal divisions and sensitivities surrounding blasphemy accusations, with ramifications that extend beyond legal proceedings.
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