In a disturbing incident of alleged police overreach and escalating religious intolerance, a police constable shot and killed Abdul Ali, the owner of a local hotel, who had been detained on blasphemy charges. The tragic event occurred a day after a mob had gathered at Ali's hotel, chanting provocative slogans and threatening violence over accusations of blasphemy.
According to reports, Abdul Ali was taken into custody by the police after the mob's attempt to lynch him was thwarted. He was charged with blasphemy following a video he posted on social media, in which he reportedly denied the Finality of Prophethood and made blasphemous remarks against the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). The police registered a case against him under Section 295-C of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
The situation took a grim turn when, while in police custody, Abdul Ali was shot dead by a constable. The policeman involved has been detained, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are notoriously contentious, with numerous cases of misuse leading to severe consequences, including extrajudicial violence. The laws, intended to protect religious sentiments, have often been exploited for personal vendettas, resulting in mob violence and devastating communal tensions. Last year, a similar case in Jaranwala saw a mob attack on a Christian locality, destroying churches and homes in a spree of violence.