As religious scholars intensify their campaign against Habib, a Lahore-born man accused of
blasphemy while living abroad, the Pakistani government remains conspicuously silent. Despite
the growing public mobilization, widespread Friday sermons condemning Habib, and side
meetings orchestrating further action, authorities have not taken any preemptive measures to
control the escalating tensions.
This inaction has raised serious concerns about potential unrest, as religious leaders continue
to provoke public sentiment without any government intervention. With similar cases in the past
leading to violent street protests and mob violence, critics argue that the government’s failure to
act now could have dire consequences.
Government’s Muted Response Amid Rising Tensions
Despite the increasing mobilization by religious groups, the government has not issued any
official statement regarding Habib’s case. Neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the Ministry of
Religious Affairs has addressed the matter, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety.
“This silence from the government is dangerous. We have seen in the past that
blasphemy-related cases can spiral out of control if not handled carefully,” said Sohail Qureshi,
a political analyst.
While security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation, there has been no visible action
to counter misinformation or de-escalate religious fervor.
Religious Scholars Continue to Mobilize Unchecked
With no preemptive steps taken by the government, religious clerics have been given free rein
to spread their message against Habib. Friday sermons across Pakistan have condemned him
in strong terms, and religious leaders have held side meetings to strategize further public
engagement and street mobilization.
“The government’s silence is being interpreted as approval by many religious groups, which
only emboldens them further,” said Adeel Rehman, an expert on religious movements in
Pakistan.
This lack of intervention has allowed clerics to:
Call for nationwide protests in upcoming weeks.
Engage with religious political parties to pressure the government into action.
Influence the narrative through religious TV channels and social media campaigns.
Without a clear stance from the government, this growing mobilization could quickly escalate
beyond control.
Why Is the Government Silent?
Experts suggest several reasons for the government’s inaction:
- Fear of Religious Backlash
Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, and politicians fear losing public support or
provoking a strong reaction from religious groups. Given how past leaders who spoke against
blasphemy laws—such as Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti—were assassinated, many
within the government are reluctant to intervene. - Political Calculations
With elections looming, no party wants to be seen as going against religious sentiment. The
government may be waiting for the situation to stabilize on its own rather than taking a stance
that could damage its electoral prospects. - Lack of a Clear Strategy
Even if the government wanted to act, there seems to be no clear plan on how to de-escalate
the tensions without angering religious groups. A crackdown could inflame passions further,
while staying silent allows the issue to fester. - Avoiding International Scrutiny
If the government openly supports extreme action against Habib, it risks international
condemnation. If it defends due process, it risks domestic backlash. As a result, it has chosen
inaction as the safest option.
Potential Consequences of Government Inaction
If the government continues to ignore the situation, there could be serious repercussions:
Mass protests and street violence similar to past blasphemy-related unrest.
Pressure on the judiciary to act swiftly and harshly, leading to legal consequences for Habib.
Possible diplomatic tensions if the case gains international attention.
Growing influence of extremist groups in shaping national policies.
“By doing nothing, the government is allowing the situation to spiral out of control. It will
eventually be forced to react—but by then, it might be too late,” warned Sana Malik, a legal
expert.
What Should the Government Do?
Political observers argue that the government should act now to prevent further escalation.
Possible steps include:
Issuing a clear statement on the case to prevent speculation and misinformation.
Engaging with religious leaders to calm public sentiments rather than letting emotions run
unchecked.
Ensuring law enforcement is prepared to manage any potential protests or violence.
Upholding the legal process, ensuring that due process is followed rather than succumbing to
mob pressure.
However, given the current silence, it remains unclear whether the government will step in
before the situation reaches a breaking point.
Conclusion: A Nation in Uncertainty
As Habib’s case gains momentum, the lack of government action has left a dangerous power
vacuum, allowing religious groups to set the agenda. With public emotions running high and no
clear response from authorities, Pakistan finds itself once again on the brink of
blasphemy-related unrest.
The question remains: Will the government finally take a stance, or will it wait until the situation
explodes into nationwide chaos?