Pakistan: Boy killed in blasphemy-related mob violence in Balochistan May 4

Event

One boy was reportedly killed when police attempted to disperse a mob in Hub, Balochistan province, on Thursday, May 4. The mob formed after a man was arrested on suspicion of sending blasphemous content via WhatsApp, according to local media. The large crowd gathered outside the Hub police station, demanding officials turn the man over for punishment. Police dispersed the crowd using tear gas and firing weapons into the air. According to reports, a 13-year-old boy was killed by the aerial firing.

Context

The incident is at least the fourth blasphemy-related incident in the past month. A student was beaten by a lynch mob in early April and a 'faith healer' was shot dead. A man in Chitral (northern Pakistan) was attacked by a mob on April 21 over accusations of blasphemy. Police fired tear gas and live rounds at the mob, resulting in the injury of eight protesters, after they attacked the local police officers and demanded that the suspected blasphemer be punished. Six police officers were also injured during the clashes.

Blasphemy is an extremely contentious issue in parts of Pakistan. Insulting the Prophet Muhammad is punished by a death sentence, and incidents of suspected blasphemers being killed by right-wing vigilantes are common. According to media reports, nearly 70 people have been killed in connection with blasphemy allegations since 1990.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan are advised to refrain from making sensitive comments, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Individuals are also advised to exercise extreme caution and to avoid all demonstrations and gatherings.