LAHORE – Pakistani court handed down death sentence to a resident of Rawalpindi for sharing blasphemous content online.
Reports in local media said Qaiser Sajjad, a resident of Gujar Khan in Rawalpindi, was awarded capital punishment in a blasphemy case. Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka of the a special court established under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) delivered the verdict, convicting Sajjad under Section 295 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
Besides the death penalty, the special court imposed life imprisonment term and 7-year prison sentence under Section 11 of PECA, along with fine of Rs7lac for various charges. The judge also ordered the superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure Sajjad’s detention.
Federal Investigators initiated the case, leading to this stern ruling. This is reportedly the second death penalty verdict issued related to blasphemy in one month.
The country of 242 million is known for strict blasphemy laws imposing severe penalties, including death penalty for blasphemy against Islamic personalities.
Man burnt to death over blasphemy allegations in northwestern Pakistan