A Pakistani sessions court has sentenced a man to death and fined him Rs.1,00,000 on charges of blasphemy.
The accused, Zulfikar, was caught writing blasphemous comments on the Afghan Park Wall in Lahore's Islampura area in 2008.
Area residents had reportedly filed a case against Zulfikar.
According to the Dawn, he was also accused of using offensive language during the prayer session, the Azaan.
It is the first case of blasphemy in Pakistan where a death penalty has been handed down.
In Pakistan, blasphemy is a crucial issue and the related laws lack procedural safeguard.
Pakistan had earlier suggested the United Nations to make blasphemy laws internationally recognized.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
