Block Blasphemous Content Even if it Takes to Block Entire Social Media: Nisar

Once again the issue of blasphemy is being witnessed. Five bloggers, including Salman Haider, Ahmed Waqas Goraya, Asim Saeed, Ahmed Raza Naseer and Samar Abbas, created pages like Bhainsa, Mochi, and Roshni to commit blasphemy through these pages. Block Blasphemous Content Even if it Takes to Block Entire Social Media: Nisar.

The issue came under consideration in January when the five secular activists known for their blunt views against religious extremism and the powerful military disappeared. Presumed seized by state agencies according to opposition parties and international rights groups.

In this regard Petitioner Salman Shahid, with the help of his counsel Tariq Asad, approached IHC. The petitioner revealed that blasphemy was being carried out through various social media pages.

Block Blasphemous Content Even if it Takes to Block Entire Social Media: Nisar

But before filing the case, the petition stated that the petitioner approached the FIA requesting it to lodge FIRs against the bloggers after conducting an inquiry. He added that a deputy director FIA had assured the petitioner that an FIR would be registered against the bloggers. Under section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code an FIR would be filed.

Keeping in view the allegations the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to remove the disrespectful content on social media. Even if it meant blocking all access to social media platforms.

Before this, on Feb 27, the court had directed authorities to block “Blasphemous Pages” on social media. It also notified some important government officials to give replies within a week. And come in person to court in the next hearing.

This issue of social media ban came under consideration due to some blasphemous content

In consent with the order, PTA Chairman Dr Syed Ismail Shah, IGP Tariq Masood Yasin, IT Secretary Rizwan Bashir, NR3C Project Director Shafiqur Rehamn, along with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other officials appeared before the court.

The Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan assured that the Government will do all their best to block blasphemous material on the internet especially on social media websites.

“We will go to any extent, even if we have to go to the extent of permanently blocking all such social media websites if they refuse to cooperate.”

Nisar Ali Khan said.

The decision came after Islamabad High Court (IHC) notified the Interior Minister to take action against the offenders. The blasphemous content was not only hurting the sentiments of Muslims in Pakistan but all over the world as well.

The minister also said that no blasphemous material would be allowed to be inseminated via social media that hurts religious sentiments of the people. On the other hand, the Islamabad police have registered the case against the owner of the derogatory Facebook pages.

He further added in a meeting that blasphemy and terrorism were two major sensitivities. And the state will not compromise on these issues. Nisar also said that the international community must understand that hurting any religion through any channel is unacceptable.

The Minister notified Chairman PTA to engage different foreign companies operating social media websites to give serious conditions and concerns of the Government. So as to find a permanent solution for blocking of such content.