The text describes an incident in Lahore where a woman, Mojj Khatoon, faced severe harassment for wearing clothing perceived as religiously offensive. This incident highlights the dangers of religious extremism and mob violence in Pakistan, particularly targeting religious minorities. The author connects this event to a broader pattern of religiously motivated attacks and killings, criticizing the lack of accountability for perpetrators and the spread of misinformation fueling such violence. The passage also discusses the problematic interpretations of religious symbols and practices leading to these conflicts. Ultimately, it calls for legal action against those responsible for the harassment of Mojj Khatoon and broader societal reform to address the underlying issues of religious intolerance.

Religious Extremism and Harassment in Pakistan: A Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 complete sentences each.

1. According to the text, what is the typical progression of events when someone is accused of blasphemy in Pakistan?
2. What specific religious minorities are often targeted by violence in Pakistan, as mentioned in the text?
3. The text suggests that previously, different sects within Islam engaged in what type of conflict? How has this changed?
4. What is the meaning of “man sabba nabin faqat l ho” and why is this phrase important in the context of the text?
5. What was the specific event involving Mojj Khatoon that is described in the text, and what were the circumstances?
6. According to the text, what was the attitude of the crowd toward Mojj Khatoon?
7. What happened to Mojj Khatoon after the police arrived at the scene, and what does this suggest about the situation?
8. What was the significance of the design on the dress that Mojj Khatoon was wearing?
9. What are some other examples of perceived insults to religion that the text lists?
10. What does the concluding statement suggest about the kind of religious devotion in Pakistan?

Answer Key

1. When someone is accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, a crowd rapidly forms and escalates into a riot, with hate-filled voices and violent attacks occurring, often targeting vulnerable minorities. The progression starts with an accusation, true or false, which quickly morphs into a large, aggressive gathering.
2. The text specifically mentions Hindu, Christian, and Ahmadi minorities as frequent targets of religious violence in Pakistan, also stating that sects within Islam like Shia, Sunni, and Wahabi also engage in conflict.
3. Previously, different sects within Islam engaged in arguments and fights; however, these have now been replaced by accusations of blasphemy and religious misunderstanding. This shift signals a move from debate to violence and accusations.
4. “Man sabba nabin faqat l ho” translates to “there is only one punishment for disrespecting the prophet.” The phrase is significant because it underscores the extreme views and justifications used to support violence.
5. Mojj Khatoon was brutally harassed in a market in Lahore for wearing an Arabic tassel dress, which was misinterpreted by some as Quranic scripture, leading to a mob forming that intended to kill her.
6. The crowd’s attitude towards Mojj Khatoon was one of insult, humiliation, and condemnation, with some people in the mob acting as if they had the authority of God.
7. After the police arrived, Mojj Khatoon was forced to apologize, humiliatingly confessing to being a Hafiz Sahab (one who has memorized the Quran) and an “Aaja” (untouchable) belonging to the Ahle Sunnat Jamaat. This demonstrates how authority and societal pressures can victimize even the innocent.
8. The design on Mojj Khatoon’s dress, featuring the word “Halwa” written in Arabic script, was common and from a farming company but was misinterpreted by some as Quranic verses, leading to accusations of blasphemy.
9. The text lists examples like people standing and sitting on replicas of holy places, wearing black clothes, and walking on green grass as other instances that can be misinterpreted as blasphemous.
10. The concluding statement suggests that in Pakistan, religious devotion can lead to extreme intolerance and violence, despite the general belief that such actions do not align with the core tenets of Islam.

Essay Questions

Instructions: Respond to the following questions in a well-organized essay format. There is no “right” answer, so provide a thoughtful response.

1. Analyze the ways in which religious fanaticism and mob violence are portrayed in the text, and discuss the possible causes of such behavior in the context of Pakistani society.
2. Evaluate the role of misinformation and misinterpretation in fueling acts of religious violence, using the incident with Mojj Khatoon as a central example.
3. How does the text depict the conflict between different religious groups and the potential for this to result in violence? Is this a uniquely Pakistani phenomenon, and why or why not?
4. Considering the police response to the harassment of Mojj Khatoon, discuss the role of law enforcement and its potential failure to protect individuals from religiously motivated aggression.
5. Based on the examples provided in the text, explore the ways in which societal beliefs and customs contribute to a climate of religious extremism and intolerance in Pakistan.

Glossary of Key Terms

Ashraful Creatures: This Arabic term translates to “the most noble of creatures,” referring to the idea that humans are the most esteemed beings in creation, often within an Islamic context.

Blasphemy: The act of insulting or showing contempt for God or sacred things; it is a sensitive issue in many cultures and is often considered a severe offense in some religions.

Darvesh: A term used to refer to a Sufi ascetic or mystic, often associated with wandering, poverty, and a focus on spiritual matters.

Hafiz Sahab: An honorific title given to a Muslim who has memorized the entire Quran.

Halwa: A type of sweet confection. In the text, it refers to an Arabic word on a dress misconstrued to be a sacred text.

Man sabba nabin faqat l ho: An Arabic phrase that means “there is only one punishment for disrespecting the prophet.” This phrase is often used to justify extreme violence against those accused of blasphemy.

Mojj Khatoon: The name of the woman harassed in the text, used as a symbol of the vulnerability of women who are targets of religious extremist groups.

Raula: A term used in the text to signify chaos, uproar, or a violent disturbance. It reflects the tumultuous nature of mob violence.

Sahaba: The companions of the prophet Muhammad, highly revered figures in Islam.

Talib Imon: A plural form of “Talib Ilm,” referring to students, particularly religious students.

Waqf: A religious endowment or charitable trust in Islamic law. The term is used to highlight the ubiquitous spread of accusations of blasphemy.

Religious Fanaticism and Mob Violence in Pakistan

Okay, here’s a briefing document summarizing the key themes and ideas from the provided text, using quotes where relevant:

Briefing Document: Religious Fanaticism and Mob Violence in Pakistan

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Analysis of escalating religious extremism and mob violence, particularly against vulnerable populations, in Pakistan, as illustrated by a recent harassment incident in Lahore.

Sources: Excerpts from “Pasted Text” (author Afzal Rehan)

Executive Summary:

The provided text highlights a dangerous trend of religious extremism and mob violence in Pakistan, fueled by accusations of blasphemy and a distorted understanding of religious teachings. It focuses on the vulnerability of religious minorities, internal sects, and even individuals perceived as disrespecting religious symbols or norms. A recent incident of harassment against a woman in Lahore for wearing clothing deemed blasphemous serves as a stark example of this disturbing trend. The text strongly criticizes the mob mentality, the lack of tolerance, and the ineffectiveness of law enforcement in protecting citizens from religious persecution. The author calls for introspection, accountability, and an end to the cycles of hatred and violence.

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Hypocrisy of Religious Fanaticism:

• The author points out the contradiction between the stated ideals of Islam and the violent actions of some self-proclaimed believers. “everyone will say that our religion does not teach us to hate others, humans are Ashraful creatures. We should keep the value of human dignity aside for the sake of appearance and sins, women should be respected…” This sets up a contrast between professed beliefs and actual behavior.
• The author emphasizes that almost everyone says they believe in these fundamental values, highlighting the “Raula” or chaotic dissonance between stated ideals and practiced actions. He asks, “so the question arises that then What is Raula?”

1. The Blasphemy Accusation as a Tool for Mob Violence:

• The text illustrates how quickly accusations of blasphemy escalate into violent mob action. “no sooner is someone accused, true or false, of blasphemy, a crowd gathers which in moments takes the form of a riot…”
• These mobs, often fueled by “hate-filled voices…with horrifying slogans,” target religious minorities, internal sects and, even individuals (such as professors) perceived as disrespectful.
• The author notes a disturbing trend in Pakistan, where violence has overtaken intellectual debate in religious matters: “Earlier these sects used to be busy in arguments and fights, now these have been replaced by accusations of misunderstanding. The accusations against Rasool and Sahaba and insult in Quran are visible from Waqf to Waqf.”

1. Targeting of Vulnerable Groups:

• The author emphasizes that “mostly our weakest religious minorities, Hindu Christians and Ahmadi brothers” are the primary targets of this mob violence.
• Even within Islam, different sects (Shia, Sunni, Wahabi) accuse each other of blasphemy, highlighting how even the most minor perceived difference in interpretation can lead to conflict. “If we talk about internal sects then Shia, Sunni and Wahabi also find each other to be worse than Jewish.”

1. Specific Examples of Violence and Extremism:

• The author provides specific and chilling examples of this violence:
• The murders of Governor Salman Taseer and student Mashal Khan, both accused of blasphemy, are recalled to demonstrate the brutality of religious extremists.
• The author describes the murder of professor by “Talib Imons” who claimed the professor was an insult to the religion.
• The killing of a Sri Lankan man who was also accused of blasphemy is mentioned.
• The harassment of the Mojj woman in Lahore is recounted in detail.

1. The Harassment Incident in Lahore:

• The central focus of the text is the harassment of the woman in Lahore. She is targeted for wearing a dress with Arabic text, misconstrued as Quranic verses.
• The text provides a graphic description of the mob’s actions, their aggressive accusations, and the threat of violence.
• The woman is subjected to humiliation, threats, and forced to apologize. “They were asking why are you sitting, stand up, voices were being raised that he has insulted the Quranic verse, we cannot tolerate this insult of the verse, slogans were being raised, there is a punishment for insolence…”
• The author questions the state of society, “It makes one wonder whether this is really a human society. Who has filled so much hatred and venom in the hearts of so many people?”

1. The Failures of Law Enforcement and the State:

• The author highlights the police’s failure to hold the mob accountable. Although the police did remove the woman, they also forced her to apologize.
• The question is asked, “Do the police or our powerful people realize their responsibility and understand that the wolves who did this act should be punished under the law?” The author challenges the state’s capacity or willingness to enforce the law and protect vulnerable people from religious persecution.
• The text implies that the state is not taking proactive steps to address these problems as they are occurring through social media. “The accused can be probed and examined if the accused is found guilty on 9th May. If the dead can be controlled then why can’t the accused of harassment be identified against the woman?”

1. Misinterpretation of Religious Symbols:

• The author criticizes the narrow and rigid interpretations of religious symbols that drive some people to violence.
• The author says that the Arabic calligraphy on the woman’s dress had become misconstrued because people thought that they were religious words, not just a company logo. He laments that, “if someone thinks of them If it were the Quranic words, whatever has happened or even if that woman had been murdered, then it would have been of no use.”
• He questions how far this obsession can go, warning of the potential for future misinterpretations of even traditional Muslim practices such as the reverence for the Kaaba or the Dome of Khizra, noting that religious fanatics might find fault with anything they see as disrespectful.
• He concludes by saying: “there is no limit to the religious indigestion that you have suffered you deserve the first reward in the body but there is no limit to your love for religion” suggesting there’s a dangerous and unhealthy level of religious fanaticism that has taken over.

1. Call for Action and Change:

• The text ends with a plea to stop the tide of fanaticism. The author says “may God make this bill fail and this fanaticism be stopped”

Conclusion:

The text provides a disturbing snapshot of the dangerous consequences of religious fanaticism and mob violence in Pakistan. It highlights the vulnerability of religious minorities and individuals perceived as disrespecting religious norms. The author calls for a fundamental shift in attitudes, an end to the cycles of violence, and accountability for those who incite hatred and violence. The text serves as a powerful indictment of the current situation and a call for justice and reform.

Next Steps:

• Further research into the historical context of blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
• Analysis of the role of social media in inciting and spreading religious extremism.
• Examination of the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable communities.
• Exploration of potential solutions, including educational initiatives and interfaith dialogue, to combat religious intolerance.

Religious Extremism and Blasphemy in Pakistan

FAQ on Religious Extremism and Blasphemy Accusations

1. What is the main concern highlighted regarding religious sentiments in the text?
2. The primary concern is the ease with which accusations of blasphemy and religious insult can incite mob violence and hatred, particularly targeting vulnerable minority groups (Hindus, Christians, Ahmadis, Shias) as well as individuals within Islam accused of “insulting” the prophet. The text shows a troubling trend of violence, harassment, and a complete disregard for human dignity in the name of religion.
3. How are blasphemy accusations used to justify violence?

The text illustrates how a mere accusation, true or false, of blasphemy or disrespect can rapidly escalate into a violent mob response. Hateful slogans and attacks are launched against the accused, with no regard for due process or the possibility of error. This culture of instant condemnation and violence is rooted in the belief that any perceived insult to religion warrants extreme punishment, even murder. The text mentions several specific instances of such violence.

1. What is the “Raula” mentioned in the text, and what does it signify?
2. “Raula,” which translates to commotion or noise, refers to the phenomenon of easily triggered, hate-filled riots that are sparked by accusations of blasphemy. This “Raula” signifies the deeply ingrained religious extremism and mob mentality, where logic, tolerance, and understanding are completely absent. This is a key issue, in that despite everyone saying they believe in tolerance and compassion, these mobs act contrary to these values.
3. How does the text describe the victims of religious extremism?
4. The victims are often members of religious minorities or marginalized groups within Islam. The text describes how even educated and well-respected people like professors can become targets. The woman harassed for wearing Arabic script clothing is presented as a particularly vulnerable case of a target, emphasizing the powerlessness of the accused. Additionally, the victims are not given an opportunity to defend themselves, and are often treated with extreme cruelty.
5. What specific examples of religiously motivated violence are mentioned in the text?
6. The text lists several disturbing examples: the burning of churches and temples, attacks on Ahmadi places of worship, the killing of the governor Salman Taseer for speaking out against blasphemy laws, the brutal murder of student Mashal Khan by his own classmates, and the killing of a Sri Lankan national, as well as the harassment of a woman in Lahore for wearing clothing with Arabic script. These incidents demonstrate the pervasive and horrifying reality of religious extremism within the society.
7. How is the role of law enforcement and powerful individuals portrayed in the text?
8. The text strongly criticizes the inaction and complicity of the police and those in power. While a female police officer is praised for helping the harassed woman, the fact she is still forced to apologize and label herself as part of a specific sect in order to be safe shows how authorities often succumb to the pressure of religious zealots rather than upholding the law. The lack of accountability for the perpetrators is also a key criticism.
9. What does the incident with the woman wearing Arabic script highlight?

The incident highlights the extreme religious sensitivity and misinterpretation of cultural symbols as religious ones. The woman was targeted and threatened because some individuals misinterpreted the Arabic writing on her clothing as Quranic verses, leading to accusations of blasphemy. It illustrates how religious extremism can distort people’s perception, causing them to find “insult” in innocuous situations, and then to react with hatred and violence. The clothing was from a commercial company and was not actually using religious text, showing the unreasonable nature of the accusation.

1. What underlying problems or issues does this text suggest about society?

The text exposes deep-seated problems in Pakistani society. It suggests a culture where religious fanaticism thrives, mob violence is common, justice is skewed, and there is a failure to protect minorities and individual rights. It also indicates a worrying lack of critical thinking and an overabundance of irrational religious sensitivity. The text questions how these extreme views have taken root and become accepted, even encouraged in some cases.

Religious Fanaticism and Violence

Religious fanaticism is a significant issue, as shown in the provided text, manifesting in various forms of intolerance and violence [1].

Here are key aspects of religious fanaticism discussed in the source:

• Harassment and Violence: The text describes how accusations of blasphemy, whether true or false, can quickly escalate into mob violence, with hate-filled voices and horrifying slogans [1]. Religious minorities, such as Hindus, Christians, and Ahmadi Muslims, are often the targets of these attacks [1]. Internal Muslim sects such as Shia, Sunni and Wahabi, are also targeted by each other [1].
• Accusations of Blasphemy: The text highlights that accusations of insulting the Prophet, or disrespecting the Quran or Sahaba, often lead to violence [1]. These accusations can be made against individuals for various reasons, including perceived insults or misunderstandings of religious texts [1].
• Mob Mentality: The source illustrates how crowds quickly gather and become violent when someone is accused of blasphemy, creating a dangerous mob mentality [1]. This mob mentality leads to violent attacks, sometimes resulting in death [1].
• Targeting of the Weakest: The text emphasizes that religious minorities are frequently the targets of violence, highlighting the vulnerability of these communities [1].
• Examples of Violence: The source provides several specific examples of religious fanaticism, including:
• The harassment of Mojj Khatoon in Lahore for wearing clothing with Arabic script that was mistaken for Quranic verses [1].
• The murder of Governor Sultan Taseer, who was separated from the mother [1].
• The murder of student Mashal Khan by his fellow students after being tortured [1].
• The killing of individuals by those deeming them an insult to religion or prophethood [1].
• Attacks on churches, temples, and Ahmadiyya places of worship [1].
• Misinterpretations and Misconceptions: The text notes that misinterpretations of religious texts and symbols can lead to conflict [1]. The incident involving Mojj Khatoon highlights how clothing with Arabic script was misinterpreted as Quranic verses, triggering a violent reaction [1]. Additionally, the author suggests that certain individuals’ extreme religious views can lead to conflict [1].
• Lack of Accountability: The text criticizes the lack of accountability for those who perpetrate these acts of violence [1]. It points out that despite the availability of video evidence, the police and authorities do not take action against these perpetrators [1].
• Social Media’s Role: Videos of such incidents are circulated on social media, which may exacerbate the situation [1].
• Fanaticism extends to other religious practices: The source notes that actions like putting feet on images of the Kaaba and other religious symbols may be the next target of religious fanaticism [1].

The text conveys a critical view of religious fanaticism, arguing that it is fueled by hatred and a lack of understanding. It also calls for accountability and justice for victims of religiously motivated violence [1].

Blasphemy Accusations and Religious Violence

Blasphemy accusations are a significant catalyst for religious fanaticism and violence, as detailed in the provided text [1]. Here’s a breakdown of how these accusations manifest and their consequences:

• Trigger for Violence: Accusations of blasphemy, whether true or false, can quickly ignite mob violence [1]. The text explains how these accusations lead to hate-filled voices, horrifying slogans, and violent attacks [1].
• Targeting of Minorities and Sects: The accusations often target religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, and Ahmadi Muslims, as well as internal Muslim sects like Shia, Sunni, and Wahabi, who accuse each other of blasphemy [1].
• Misinterpretations: The source points out that misinterpretations of religious texts and symbols can trigger accusations of blasphemy. For example, the incident involving Mojj Khatoon in Lahore demonstrates how clothing with Arabic script was misinterpreted as Quranic verses, leading to harassment and violence [1].
• Lack of Due Process: Once an accusation is made, a mob mentality takes over, and individuals are often targeted without any due process or investigation [1]. The text highlights that individuals accused of blasphemy are often subject to mob violence and attacks, sometimes resulting in death [1].
• Examples of Blasphemy Accusations:
• The case of Mojj Khatoon: She faced harassment for wearing clothing with Arabic script that was mistaken for Quranic verses [1].
• Accusations against individuals: The text mentions that people are accused of insulting the Prophet, disrespecting the Quran, or insulting Sahaba [1].
• Killing of individuals: Some individuals have been killed for being deemed an insult to religion or prophethood [1].
• “Man sabba nabin faqat l ho”: The slogan “there is only one punishment for disrespecting the prophet” is mentioned to be on the tongue of every child [1]. This demonstrates the pervasiveness of the idea that blasphemy must be punished severely [1].
• Consequences: The text emphasizes that accusations of blasphemy have led to the murder of individuals like Governor Sultan Taseer and student Mashal Khan [1].
• Mob mentality: When someone is accused of blasphemy, the public can quickly turn violent, leading to attacks, sometimes resulting in death [1].
• Social Media: The text also mentions that videos of such incidents are circulated on social media which may further inflame the situation [1].
• Lack of Accountability: The text criticizes that the perpetrators of these acts of violence are not held accountable [1]. It highlights that despite the availability of video evidence, the police and authorities often fail to take action against them [1].

In summary, the provided text shows that blasphemy accusations serve as a dangerous trigger for violence and religious intolerance, often targeting vulnerable populations and fueled by misinterpretations and mob mentality.

Religious Mob Violence

Mob violence is a significant issue discussed in the provided text, often stemming from accusations of blasphemy and religious intolerance [1]. Here’s a detailed look at how the text describes mob violence:

• Rapid Escalation: The text emphasizes how quickly a crowd can turn into a violent mob when someone is accused of blasphemy, whether the accusation is true or false [1]. These situations can escalate in moments, with hate-filled voices and horrifying slogans arising very quickly [1].
• Triggered by Accusations: Accusations of insulting the Prophet, disrespecting the Quran, or insulting Sahaba are common triggers for mob violence [1]. These accusations can stem from misinterpretations of religious texts or symbols [1]. For example, the harassment of Mojj Khatoon was initiated by a misinterpretation of her clothing [1].
• Mob Mentality: The source describes a dangerous mob mentality taking hold, with people participating in violence without due process or investigation [1]. The crowd is not thinking rationally, and are quick to become violent [1].
• Targeting the Vulnerable: Religious minorities and those perceived as challenging religious norms are often the targets of mob violence [1]. The text mentions that religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, and Ahmadi Muslims are frequently targeted [1]. Internal Muslim sects such as Shia, Sunni and Wahabi are also targeted by each other [1].
• Specific Examples of Mob Violence:Harassment of Mojj Khatoon: A crowd of hundreds gathered and shouted slogans against her for wearing clothing with Arabic script [1]. They intended to kill her, and were carrying knives and daggers [1].
• Murder of Mashal Khan: A young student was brutally tortured and killed by his fellow students [1].
• Attacks on Religious Sites: The source mentions attacks on churches, temples, and Ahmadiyya places of worship [1].
• General Violence: The text notes that crowds often resort to violent attacks, leading to injuries and deaths [1].
• Slogans and Incitement: The text highlights how hate-filled voices and horrifying slogans are raised by the mob, which inflames the situation and leads to violence [1]. One specific slogan, “there is only one punishment for disrespecting the prophet,” demonstrates the pervasiveness of this sentiment [1].
• Lack of Accountability: The source criticizes that the perpetrators of mob violence are often not held accountable, even when video evidence exists [1]. This lack of accountability encourages further violence [1].
• Social Media’s Role: Videos of mob violence are often circulated on social media, which may exacerbate the situation [1].
• Comparison to wolves: The text compares those involved in mob violence to wolves and emphasizes the need for them to be held accountable [1].

In summary, the provided text illustrates that mob violence is a severe problem stemming from religious fanaticism and intolerance. It emphasizes that accusations of blasphemy can quickly turn into violent incidents, often fueled by a dangerous mob mentality and a lack of accountability. The text argues that those who perpetrate these violent acts should be held accountable.

Religious Fanaticism and the Harassment of Women

The provided text highlights several instances of women’s harassment, primarily stemming from religious fanaticism and misinterpretations of religious symbols [1]. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the instances and related issues:

• The Harassment of Mojj Khatoon: The most prominent example of women’s harassment in the text is the incident involving Mojj Khatoon in Lahore [1]. She faced brutal harassment for wearing clothing with Arabic script, which was misinterpreted as Quranic verses [1].
• A crowd of hundreds gathered and shouted slogans against her, creating a threatening atmosphere [1].
• Many young men in the crowd were carrying knives and daggers, intending to kill her [1].
• The situation was described as full of “insult, humiliation, and amazement” with the mob acting as if they were “standing over her” [1].
• They were raising slogans saying she had insulted the Quran, and that there was a punishment for such insolence [1].
• The text notes that this incident made one wonder if “this is really a human society” and what had filled people’s hearts with “so much hatred and venom” [1].
• Humiliating Treatment by Police: After being rescued from the mob, Mojj Khatoon was taken to the police station [1].
• Instead of protecting her, the police forced her to apologize in a “humiliating and helpless manner” [1].
• She was made to confess that she was an “Aaja (untouchable)” and belonged to the Ahle Sunnat Jamaat [1].
• This act was described as “shameful and regrettable” in terms of human rights [1].
• Underlying Issues: The harassment of Mojj Khatoon highlights several key issues:
• Misinterpretation of Religious Symbols: The incident was triggered by the misinterpretation of Arabic script on her clothing as Quranic verses [1]. This demonstrates how misunderstandings of religious symbols can lead to violence and harassment [1].
• Religious Fanaticism: The text indicates that the mob violence against Mojj Khatoon was fueled by religious fanaticism, where people act on misinterpretations and strong feelings [1].
• Mob Mentality: The crowd quickly formed into a violent mob, demonstrating a mob mentality where people act without thinking or due process [1].
• Lack of Accountability: The police, instead of protecting Mojj Khatoon, added to her humiliation [1]. This shows the failure of authorities to hold perpetrators of violence accountable [1]. The text calls for the people who committed this crime to be punished [1].
• General Mistreatment of Women:
• The text also generally emphasizes that women should be respected and that their dignity should be upheld [1].
• The harassment of Mojj Khatoon exemplifies that women are not being treated with dignity [1].
• Social Media’s Role: Videos of such harassment are circulated on social media which can exacerbate the situation [1].

In summary, the provided text illustrates how women are subjected to harassment, particularly in the context of religious fanaticism and misinterpretations. The incident involving Mojj Khatoon highlights the dangers of mob violence, the misinterpretation of religious symbols, and the lack of accountability for perpetrators of violence, and the need for authorities to uphold human rights and protect the vulnerable [1].

Religious Fanaticism and Human Rights Abuses

The provided text details several human rights abuses stemming from religious fanaticism, misinterpretations of religious symbols, and mob mentality. Here’s a comprehensive overview of these abuses:

• Targeting of Religious Minorities and Sects: The text describes how religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, and Ahmadi Muslims, as well as internal Muslim sects like Shia, Sunni, and Wahabi are often the victims of violence and discrimination [1]. This demonstrates a violation of the right to freedom of religion and the right to equality and non-discrimination.
• Mob Violence and Extrajudicial Killings: Accusations of blasphemy often lead to mob violence, with individuals being attacked, injured, and even killed without any due process [1]. This includes the murder of individuals like Governor Sultan Taseer and student Mashal Khan [1]. These acts violate the right to life, liberty, and security of person, as well as the right to a fair trial.
• Harassment and Humiliation of Women: The case of Mojj Khatoon demonstrates severe harassment and humiliation of women. She was targeted for her clothing, which was misinterpreted as Quranic verses, and faced a violent mob that intended to kill her [1]. This incident violates the right to equality, dignity, and freedom from violence.
• The police further violated her rights by forcing her to apologize and confess her religious affiliation and social status [1]. This reveals an abuse of power and a failure to protect the rights of a vulnerable individual.
• Lack of Accountability: The text criticizes the lack of accountability for perpetrators of these human rights abuses [1]. Even when there is video evidence, the police and authorities often fail to take action against them. This lack of accountability creates a culture of impunity where further violence and discrimination are more likely to happen.
• Freedom of Expression: The text notes how the misinterpretation of religious texts and symbols leads to violence and harassment [1]. This suggests a restriction on freedom of expression, where individuals are not free to express themselves without fear of harassment and violence.
• Right to Fair Trial and Due Process: When accusations of blasphemy are made, individuals are often targeted without any investigation or legal process [1]. The mob violence and extrajudicial killings are blatant violations of these basic rights, emphasizing the failure of the justice system in ensuring that everyone is protected by law.
• Psychological and Emotional Harm: The acts of harassment and violence, as exemplified in the case of Mojj Khatoon and others, can cause severe psychological and emotional harm to victims [1].
• “Man sabba nabin faqat l ho”: The slogan “there is only one punishment for disrespecting the prophet” is on the tongue of every child [1]. This indicates that this sentiment is becoming ingrained and accepted by the community, further eroding human rights.

In summary, the provided text reveals a troubling pattern of human rights abuses, including discrimination, violence, lack of due process, and impunity for perpetrators. These issues highlight the urgent need for protecting vulnerable individuals, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that all people are treated with respect and dignity.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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