Doctor held for blasphemy in Pakistan
Source: Agencies |
December 13, 2010, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
PAKISTANI authorities have arrested a doctor on suspicion of violating the country's blasphemy law by throwing away a business card of a man who shared the name of Islam's prophet, Muhammad.
The blasphemy law has been widely criticized by human rights groups following the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death last month for insulting Islam. Critics say the law should be amended or repealed because it is often used to settle grudges and persecute minorities.
Naushad Valiyani, a Muslim doctor in the southern city of Hyderabad, was arrested last Friday after a complaint was lodged with police alleging his actions had insulted the Prophet Muhammad.
The case began on Friday when Muhammad Faizan, a pharmaceutical company representative, visited Valiyani's clinic and handed out his business card. He said when the doctor threw the card away, Faizan went to the police and filed a complaint that noted his name was the same as the prophet's.
Police are investigating whether Valiyani should be charged with blasphemy.
Dozens of Pakistanis are sentenced to death each year under the blasphemy law, though most cases are thrown out by higher courts.
The blasphemy law has been widely criticized by human rights groups following the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death last month for insulting Islam. Critics say the law should be amended or repealed because it is often used to settle grudges and persecute minorities.
Naushad Valiyani, a Muslim doctor in the southern city of Hyderabad, was arrested last Friday after a complaint was lodged with police alleging his actions had insulted the Prophet Muhammad.
The case began on Friday when Muhammad Faizan, a pharmaceutical company representative, visited Valiyani's clinic and handed out his business card. He said when the doctor threw the card away, Faizan went to the police and filed a complaint that noted his name was the same as the prophet's.
Police are investigating whether Valiyani should be charged with blasphemy.
Dozens of Pakistanis are sentenced to death each year under the blasphemy law, though most cases are thrown out by higher courts.
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