Quetta: The family of a blasphemy suspect, who was allegedly killed by a Quetta police officer last week while in custody, announced on Wednesday that they have forgiven the officer. The incident occurred on September 12, when the officer, Saad Muhammad Sarhadi, accessed the police station under the guise of being a relative of the suspect and fatally shot him.
The suspect had been detained earlier in the week after being accused of blasphemy. He was moved to a more secure police station to protect him from an enraged mob demanding his execution. Protesters, including members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and other religious groups, had staged demonstrations, blocking traffic and throwing a hand grenade at the Kharotabad police station, which exploded outside.
At a press conference in Quetta, the suspect’s family, accompanied by Noorzai tribal chief Haji Faizullah Nourzai, condemned the suspect’s alleged actions. “We have nothing to do with the blasphemous act committed by the suspect,” the family said. They also expressed their unwavering respect for the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) and declared they had pardoned the officer “unconditionally in the name of Allah.”
The family further stated that they would not pursue legal action against the police officer.
Support for the Officer
JUI-P Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan expressed his support for the police officer in a Senate session last week, pledging to cover his legal expenses. Senator Khan criticized the legal system, suggesting that the officer acted out of distrust for the judicial process, as those accused of blasphemy often face prolonged trials. He added, “We will not tolerate blasphemous remarks against the Holy Prophet.”
Rising Tensions Over Blasphemy Cases
The incident is the latest in a string of blasphemy-related violence across Pakistan. In May, a Christian man in Sargodha was attacked by a mob over allegations of desecrating the Holy Quran. The man succumbed to his injuries after eight days, while over 400 individuals were booked for mob violence. In June, a mob in Swat lynched a man accused of desecrating the Quran inside a police station and set fire to his body, the station, and a police vehicle. Eight people were injured during the Swat incident.
Blasphemy cases continue to spark public outrage and violence, often leading to vigilante actions, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with such sensitive matters.
