Karachi man gets life sentence for burning Holy Quran

KARACHI – A district and sessions court handed down life imprisonment to a man over blasphemy of the Holy Quran.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Wasiti Zabihah Khatak announced the verdict against Zaeem Imran, who was found guilty under Section 295-B.

The prosecution argued that Zaeem’s wife lodged a complaint against him that her husband, suspecting her of adultery due to her frequent usage of mobile phone. The culprit told wife to swear on holy book to prove her innocence.

When she denied the allegations, Imran set fire to Holy Quran amid anger.

Following the incident, Imran’s wife filed a case against him and declared her intention to seek a divorce. The court noted that Imran’s actions had deeply offended societal sentiments and that he was unable to substantiate his claims or identify another perpetrator.

In his defense, Imran accused his wife of having an illicit relationship, but this did not sway the court’s decision.

Quran Blasphemy in Pakistan

Blasphemy against Islam’s holiest book is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan due to the strict blasphemy laws, particularly Section 295-B and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which impose severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Despite ongoing debates and advocacy for legal reforms to protect human rights and prevent misuse, the issue remains deeply contentious, reflecting religious sensitivities in Islamic republic.