ISLAMABAD: Allegations that Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, a prominent Pakistani religious scholar and Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony, used abusive and threatening language against a judge of the Islamabad High Court have sparked widespread condemnation from civil society, legal experts, and minority rights advocates. The incident is being viewed as a serious attack on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in Pakistan. 

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, condemned the alleged behavior and stressed that no individual—regardless of religious or political stature—is above the law. “Attempts to intimidate the judiciary are not only contemptible but also dangerous to the very fabric of democracy and justice,” said Gill. 

This controversy arose after the Islamabad High Court ordered the formation of a judicial commission to investigate reports of misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws—long criticized for being manipulated for personal vendettas and blackmail. According to sources, the investigation may involve Maulana Ashrafi’s brother in connection with activities of so-called “blasphemy business gangs.” In response, Ashrafi reportedly reacted with hostility and abusive language toward the judiciary, escalating concerns among rights groups. 

“If Maulana Ashrafi believes he or his family have nothing to hide, then he should welcome transparency—not panic over judicial scrutiny,” said Gill. “It raises serious questions when a self-proclaimed champion of law and order reacts aggressively to a legal investigation involving his own brother.” 

Interfaith Harmony Credentials Challenged 

Maulana Tahir Ashrafi has long presented himself as a moderate voice, advocating interfaith harmony and dialogue in his roles as Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony. However, critics like Sardar Mushtaq Gill have questioned the sincerity of these claims. 

“True interfaith harmony demands integrity and consistency,” Gill emphasized. “One cannot preach peace while ignoring or enabling the misuse of blasphemy laws, or the intimidation and persecution of religious minorities, especially Christians.” 

Gill also accused Ashrafi of a pattern of selective intervention—expressing sympathy for Christian communities after violent attacks, while simultaneously protecting extremist elements responsible for these assaults. “Such hypocrisy undermines public trust and damages the very institutions meant to protect minorities.” 

Lawyers Highlight Emerging Trend of Religious Entrapment 

Lawyers working on cases related to blasphemy business gangs have warned of a disturbing evolution in criminal blackmail tactics in Pakistan. While false accusations of sexual assault and other crimes have historically been used for personal vendettas, they say a new, more dangerous trend has emerged. 

“Now, blasphemy laws are being exploited through honey-trapping and other entrapment schemes,” said one legal expert involved in the investigations. “This weaponizes religion itself, fueling social divisions and making fair justice even harder to achieve.” 

Calls for Accountability and Rule of Law 

LEAD Ministries Pakistan and allied organizations have called for an impartial investigation into Maulana Ashrafi’s alleged threats and interference with the judiciary. They demand the government ensure judicial independence and stronger protections for minority communities subjected to religiously motivated violence and legal abuse. 

“Pakistan’s future depends on the rule of law being upheld equally and fairly for all citizens,” Gill concluded. “No religious or political figure should be allowed to shield themselves from accountability, especially when hate speech, intimidation, or interference with justice is involved.” 

As public pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether the government will defend the judiciary and minority rights or succumb to pressure from influential religious figures