ISLAMABAD – A man in Punjab’s Gujrat district lands behind bars on blasphemy-related charges after allegedly declaring himself a messenger of God.
The suspect reportedly made a blasphemous claim inside a mosque after Asr prayers and repeated it at a nearby shop, where his statement was recorded on a mobile phone. Police subsequently registered a case under Sections 298 and 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, while a court sent him to jail on 14-day judicial remand.
The incident occurred in Kotla Arab Ali Khan, and it prompted a police case. Investigators said the suspect, who belongs to Chakanwali village, visited mosque shortly after Asr prayers on Tuesday and requested the attention of those present.
As worshippers gathered to hear him, the man allegedly claimed that he had received a divine responsibility as a messenger, linking his assertion to his claimed descent from Hazrat Ayub Ansari. The statement reportedly alarmed those present, who subsequently took the man to a nearby commercial establishment to question him further.
A case has been registered under Sections 298 and 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which address certain religious offences, including acts intended to outrage religious feelings. Following his arrest, the accused was presented before a local magistrate, who ordered that he be sent to district jail on 14-day judicial remand.
The finality of Prophethood, Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, is key part of Islamic belief, affirming that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the last prophet and that no messenger will succeed him.
Making such claims in Pakistan attracts blasphemy laws which prescribe different penalties depending on the nature and severity of the alleged offence. Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) allows for prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine, or both for deliberate and malicious actions intended to offend religious sentiments.
Section 298, which has also been applied in the Gujrat case, carries punishment of one to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs500,000, or both under the amended legislation.
The legal consequences become more severe for offences covered by other provisions. Section 295-B provides for life imprisonment in cases involving the intentional desecration of the Holy Quran. Section 295-C, which deals with derogatory statements or conduct concerning Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), carries the death penalty under Pakistan’s prevailing legal framework.
