In a troubling development from Pakistan, Asma Batool, a blogger from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has been arrested on charges of blasphemy after sharing a poem on social media.
The poem, penned by Salman Haider, highlights the plight of women facing harassment in South Asia.
Asma Batool’s arrest has sparked outrage, with activists across the country calling for her release and the dismissal of what they consider to be fabricated charges.
Asma Batool Jailed Over Blasphemy Charges for Sharing Poem Online
The poem that led to Batool’s arrest reads, “Khuda, Bhagwan or Ishwar, sab maujood they, jab rape hua,” which translates to, “All the gods were witness when rape happened.”
This poignant line, intended to criticize the widespread violence against women, was interpreted by some religious clerics as an insult to Allah.
Following the poem’s dissemination on Instagram, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Batool by Maulana Tahir Bashir, the president of Ahlus Sunnat Wal Jamaat in Poonch.
The situation escalated quickly. After the FIR was filed on August 25, Batool’s family was reportedly attacked by a mob incited by local clerics.
The attackers threatened the family, accusing them of abandoning their faith, and attempted to set their home on fire.
Visuals circulating on social media show the mob pressuring Batool’s family to disown her or face social ostracism.
Mob led by a local cleric is threatening and harassing the family of Asma Batool, a social activist detained on blasphemy charges in Abaspur, #AJK. They are demanding that the family disown their daughter or face social ostracism.
pic.twitter.com/m5WSciv7cj
— Muhammad Zubair Chaudhry (@zchodhury) August 26, 2024
Batool’s arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from activists, who describe the charges as baseless and demand her immediate release.
Asma Batool is known for her outspoken views on the oppression of minorities in Pakistan, often sharing content on social media that challenges societal norms.
Her YouTube channel, where she has celebrated religious festivals like Holi and discussed issues related to Kashmir, underscores her commitment to social justice.
As the case continues to unfold, it has highlighted the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against injustice in Pakistan, particularly in sensitive matters involving religion.
Asma Batool’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in the region, with her supporters urging international attention and intervention to secure her release.
Also Read: Lil Baby Arrested in Las Vegas For Carrying Weapon Without Permit
