Millions in Pakistan get SMS warning against blasphemy

MILLIONS OF Pakistanis have been receiving text messages from the government warning them against sharing “blasphemous” content online, a move rights activists said would encourage more vigilante attacks.

It comes amid a surge in mob violence linked to blasphemy accusations including three attacks within the past month.

“Uploading & sharing of blasphemous content on Internet is a punishable offense under the law. Such content should be reported on info@pta.gov.pk for legal action,” read the SMS sent by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to all mobile phone subscribers. A similar note was posted on the agency’s website in Urdu. A PTA spokesman said it was acting on a court order.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan, with unproven allegations leading to dozensofmobattacksormurders.

Activists said the initiative would likely encourage lynchings, such as the killing of a 23year-old student known for his liberal views at the hands of hundreds of fellow students last month. “This mass messaging will only further fuel hatred among different sects and segments of the society. It is a very very bad move,” digital rights activist Shahzad Ahmad told AFP.

“PTA’S mass texting on ‘blasphemy’ smacks of insincerity & political exploitation of religion; it will embolden public to greater violence!,” tweeted popular TV anchor Moeed Pirzada.

Last week a 10-year old boy was killed when a mob attacked a police station in an attempt to lynch a Hindu man charged with blasphemy.