[ #Swarajya ] ‘My Uncle Was Only Trying To Do A Good Deed By Cleaning The Street’: Nephew Of Christian Man Attacked Over Blasphemy Rumours In Pakistan

In Pakistan, a disturbing incident of mob violence recently went viral. The graphic footage showed a mob attempting to lynch an elderly, unarmed man while simultaneously vandalizing his home. The victim, Nazir Masih, is a Christian resident of Sargodha city in Punjab province. The attack was allegedly provoked by a rumor that Masih had burned pages of the Quran, thus committing ‘blasphemy’. Unfortunately, incidents of mob lynching over allegations of blasphemy have become shockingly common in Pakistan, disproportionately victimizing religious minorities.

The impulse to exact mob justice over blasphemy accusations has deep historical roots in the Islamic world. However, over the past decade, a radical social and political movement led by Khadim Hussain Rizvi has contributed to an alarming rise in vigilante actions. Rizvi founded the hardline Islamist political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which advocated for the strict enforcement of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. This movement has also had an impact in India.

In the specific case of Nazir Masih, an act of social good was tragically misinterpreted. During a storm, Masih swept the streets near his home, piling garbage near an electricity pole. Unknown to him, the garbage contained a box with pages of Islamic holy texts. These boxes, known as Muqaddas Quran, are placed across Pakistan by TLP members to prevent disrespect to the Quran. An onlooker mistakenly believed that Masih had intentionally burned the Quran, leading to the deadly mob attack¹.

It’s disheartening to witness such violence based on rumors and misunderstandings. As we reflect on these events, let’s continue to promote understanding, tolerance, and empathy across communities. 🙏

Source: Conversation with Copilot
Yet Another Mob Lynching Of A Minority Family Over Blasphemy … –
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