The Indus Examiner

Lahore: Blasphemy accusations in Pakistan have turned into a lucrative business, with organized groups—including lawyers and FIA officials—trapping individuals for financial and personal gains, claims Advocate Tahir Chaudhry. The recent resignation of a Lahore High Court judge has further intensified the controversy, as investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani previously linked him to this alleged network.

According to Chaudhry, the same few individuals repeatedly file blasphemy cases, often narrating identical stories. “They claim they were added to a group spreading blasphemous content or received such material via WhatsApp or Messenger,” he explained. “The question arises—why is this content always sent to them? And why do they always happen to be the ones filing FIRs?”

He further alleged that many within this group have amassed wealth rapidly, wielding influence over the judiciary. “The nature of these allegations is so severe that most judges hesitate to grant relief to the accused. Even lawyers defending such cases face open death threats inside courtrooms,” he added.

Judiciary Under Pressure

Chaudhry also raised concerns over targeted intimidation tactics used against the judiciary. He pointed out that Lahore’s courtrooms handling blasphemy trials are surrounded by banners reading “Tahaffuz Khatm-e-Nabuwwat” (Protection of the Finality of Prophethood), strategically placed by a private lawyers’ organization. “Are these banners meant to pressure judges? Is it a reminder to them of the forces at play?” he questioned.

Home Department Report Reveals Blasphemy Business

A report by the Home Department’s Special Branch reportedly identifies individuals involved in what Chaudhry calls the “blasphemy business.” He claimed that young men are being trapped, manipulated, and left to rot in prisons, while their families suffer.

The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) had previously published findings exposing this trend. However, the report was recently challenged in court, and Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz, who presided over the case, issued a stay order on February 24. Now, his resignation has added further intrigue to the matter, especially as Ahmad Noorani had already linked him to key figures within this network.

Call for Investigation

Chaudhry has urged authorities to investigate how blasphemous content repeatedly reaches the same individuals, who then promptly register cases. “Would someone deliberately use their real phone number or social media to send blasphemous material to people known for filing FIRs?” he questioned.

He further stated that if any institution reaches out, he is willing to share case details from his legal experience.

Justice Must Prevail

While acknowledging that genuine blasphemy offenses must be dealt with according to the law, Chaudhry insisted that entrapment and extortion must be exposed. “If young men are being lured into a trap and exploited for financial gain, then those responsible should be held accountable. They are the real blasphemers,” he declared.