ABSTRACT
The classical definition of blasphemy involves disparaging remarks about God, but in common parlance in the West blasphemy has come to mean any indifferent or irreverent act, words or attitude to anything that is generally considered sacrosanct or inviolable. Blasphemy could also occur if one claimed to be God or possess powers similar to God. Indeed the first Sufi martyr, Mansur al Hallaj, was executed in 922 CE by the then Caliph for claiming to be God. The Blasphemy Law in the Pakistan Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code is a significant factor in Christian-Muslim relations in Pakistan. The Blasphemy Law has been there in British India before the creation of Pakistan. Instances also abound when Christians accused of blasphemy have been tortured and in some instances killed by the police. The genesis of the Blasphemy Law in British India was in the need to prevent public disorder and religious conflict.
