Adding another tragic chapter to Pakistan's troubled history with blasphemy laws, the police have come under fire following the high-profile killing of 29-year-old Dr. Shah Nawaz Kunbhar. The physician was first taken under police custody for his protection on September 18 following accusations of blasphemy. Unfortunately, just days later, Dr. Kunbhar was shot dead during what local authorities have called a police "encounter"—an often disputed term used to describe shootings by police deemed justifiable as self-defense or public safety. This incident has sparked outcries for justice against what many see as extrajudicial actions taken by police.
Dr. Kunbhar’s situation escalated when he was booked under blasphemy charges, triggering mob violence from agitated residents who accused him of sharing blasphemous content. To prevent lynching, local police initially moved him to protective custody. Instead of ensuring his safety, the police then transferred him to Mirpurkhas, where he was allegedly killed under suspicious circumstances the following day. Once his body was returned to his family, it faced desecration from an enraged mob.
Activists, family members, and various nationalist groups gathered to pay their respects and call for accountability. At Dr. Kunbhar's temporary grave, mourners placed flowers and traditional Sindhi Ajrak cloth, expressing their sorrow and anger over the police's actions. They assert what happened to him was not just unfortunate but amounts to murder.
Many are demanding severe penalties for those involved, including the entire police team responsible for the shooting. Mohammed Saleh Kunbhar, the victim's father, recounted how his son had fervently pleaded for his life, claiming his social media had been hacked to post the offensive content. This plea did nothing to deter the attacking mob, and Saleh noted how they even attempted to lynch Dr. Kunbhar's driver, who narrowly escaped.
Notably, Dr. Kunbhar's family is not alone; many voices from civil society are clamoring for justice. They have called for the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to explore the events leading to the killing and have urged the authorities to take immediate actions against the police involved. Emotional statements from advocates have underscored Dr. Kunbhar's status as both a dedicated healthcare worker and devout Muslim, emphasizing the lack of legal recourse he faced.
This isn’t just the story of one tragic incident but highlights the pervasive issue of mob justice and systemic failures within the law enforcement framework. The chilling atmosphere surrounding blasphemy can lead to vigilantism, with people taking on the role of judge, jury, and executioner without any legal justification.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan echoed these sentiments, expressing alarm over what they termed the “alarming trend” of extrajudicial killings linked to blasphemy cases. They demand accountability and thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
The backdrop of this case is not isolated. Just days earlier, another man accused of blasphemy was killed by police fired inside their station, drawing more scrutiny about the treatment of suspects under blasphemy laws in the country. This provokes deep-seated fears among many who feel they could easily become victims of the same twisted justice system.
The blasphemy laws themselves have been widely criticized for their potential misuse, with numerous reports of people facing dire consequences based on flimsy accusations. Not only does it endanger individuals like Dr. Kunbhar, but it also creates fear among the general population, suppressing freedom of speech and religious expression.
Local clerics reportedly celebrated the killing of Dr. Kunbhar, throwing rose petals at police officers and expressing gratitude for their actions. This highlights the societal divide and the clash between secular legal frameworks and radical interpretations of religious laws.
Women, children, and the youth living at the epicenter of these mob attacks now live under constant threat, as noted by Dr. Kunbhar's family. His brothers expressed their frustration on why the authorities failed to intervene during the mob's rampage. They lamented the extensive fear instilled by the violent episodes surrounding these accusations, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Call for justice and support for the Kuna family continues as they navigate through this harrowing time. Dr. Kunbhar's widow and mother are now calling for formal murder charges against the police team responsible for his death, highlighting the emotional toll as they grieve someone who dedicated his life to helping others. They ask the public and the judicial system to recognize the humanity of their loved one and to deliver justice.
This complex web of justice, faith, and public safety continues to weave itself tighter, leaving all stakeholders with unanswered questions: How long until those accused receive fair treatment? Will the state uphold fundamental human rights? And how many more lives must be lost before meaningful changes come to Pakistan's blasphemy laws?
