Atheist Alliance International (AAI) is deeply concerned about the ongoing detention of Junaid Hafeez, a Pakistani academic who has been imprisoned since 2013 on charges of blasphemy. His case, marked by delays, legal irregularities, and a glaring lack of evidence, has become emblematic of the broader human rights challenges in Pakistan, where blasphemy laws are frequently misused to suppress freedom of thought and expression.
We strongly urge the Pakistani government to take immediate steps to secure Junaid Hafeez’s release and to review the unjust verdict that sentenced him to death in December 2019. Blasphemy laws, as they are currently enforced, violate international human rights norms, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Pakistan is a signatory. These laws not only endanger the lives of individuals like Junaid Hafeez but also stifle academic freedom, intellectual discourse, and social progress.
Junaid Hafeez’s ordeal began as a promising academic career. A Fulbright scholar and former lecturer at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan, Hafeez became the target of blasphemy allegations in 2013. His arrest, followed by years of solitary confinement, judicial delays, and a deeply flawed trial, highlights the weaponization of blasphemy laws to silence voices of reason and dissent.
The tragic assassination of Hafeez’s lawyer, Rashid Rehman, in 2014 further underscores the dangers faced by those who dare to challenge this system. The continued persecution of Junaid Hafeez sends a chilling message to academics, activists, and anyone who values free expression.
Atheist Alliance International calls upon:
- The Government of Pakistan to immediately release Junaid Hafeez and ensure his safety and well-being.
- Judicial Authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial review of his case, ensuring adherence to principles of justice and fairness.
- Civil society and human rights organizations to amplify calls for reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws to prevent further misuse.
- The international community to pressure the Pakistani government to uphold its obligations to protect fundamental freedoms and human rights.
Junaid Hafeez’s imprisonment represents a grave injustice that tarnishes Pakistan’s global standing and erodes public confidence in its judicial system. It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to justice, tolerance, and human rights by releasing Junaid Hafeez and taking meaningful steps to reform its blasphemy laws.
Atheist Alliance International stands in solidarity with Junaid Hafeez and all those who suffer under oppressive laws. We will continue to advocate for his freedom and for the broader fight for human rights and freedom of expression worldwide.
