Pakistan - January 2023
Law against blasphemy strengthened
The National Assembly passed legislation on 17 January to further strengthen the country's strict blasphemy law, increasing the punishment in cases of those insulting the Holy Prophet and his companions from 3 to 10 years, extendable up to life imprisonment. The bill also suggests hefty fines and making it a non-bailable offence. Human rights activists have expressed deep concern over how the law might be weaponized to increase the persecution of religious minorities.
Sources: The Express Tribune, The New York Times
Local Councils to have seats for transgenders
The Provincial Sindh Cabinet of Pakistan on 6 January approved a decision to allow reserved seats for transgender persons in local councils for the first time. Allocation of reserved seats would also include one seat each for: women and youths, labourer or farmer, non-Muslims, and persons with disabilities. The decision follows several laws passed in 2022 aimed at giving more legal rights and protections to hijra/transgender people in local government structures.
Sources: The Express Tribune (1), The Express Tribune (2)
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