Pakistan is seeing a dramatic decline in blasphemy cases and religiously motivated violence following a crackdown on hardline Islamist groups led by the military. Reuters reports that registered blasphemy cases have fallen by roughly two-thirds this year, while mob attacks linked to blasphemy accusations have also dropped sharply.
The change follows a significant shift in the state’s approach to religiously motivated politics. Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has overseen a crackdown on hardline groups, including Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, or TLP. The group has been banned, with its leaders arrested and assets frozen as authorities move to curb its ability to mobilise supporters.
For years, blasphemy accusations have been a major source of fear in Pakistan. Allegations have sometimes triggered mob violence, vigilante attacks and the targeting of religious minorities. Rights groups have also warned that blasphemy laws can be misused for personal vendettas, blackmail or settling disputes.
The crackdown comes as Pakistan seeks stronger economic and diplomatic relations with the United States and Europe, while simultaneously facing a renewed militant threat. The military is also trying to distance itself from groups that analysts say were previously used for political leverage.
For minority communities, the fall in cases and mob attacks represents a significant change. But analysts warn that hardline ideology remains deeply rooted in parts of society, and the government could still face a backlash as it continues the crackdown.
The developments mark a potentially important turning point in Pakistan’s long and contentious battle over blasphemy, religious extremism and the role of hardline groups in politics.
