Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has suspended the federal government’s decision to form a fact-finding commission on blasphemy cases, a significant development in Pakistan's ongoing legal and human rights discourse. The suspension was issued by a division bench comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Azam Khan, who were hearing intra-court appeals against an earlier ruling by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan. 

On July 15, 2025, Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan had ordered the federal government to establish a commission within 30 days to investigate the misuse of Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws. The proposed commission was to determine, within four months, whether these laws were being exploited to falsely implicate individuals, particularly vulnerable minority groups. 

The order came after families of at least 101 prisoners held under blasphemy charges petitioned the High Court, urging action against what they described as a group orchestrating “false cases” of blasphemy. The petition followed an April 2024 report by the Special Branch of Punjab Police, which alleged that a network in Rawalpindi and Islamabad was entrapping youth in fake blasphemy charges and forwarding cases to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). 

Human rights advocacy organization LEAD Ministries Pakistan has closely followed the case and has actively campaigned for reforms in the misuse of blasphemy laws. Founder Sardar Mushtaq Gill, a prominent human rights lawyer and Christian activist, expressed concern over the High Court's suspension of the commission, stating: 

“The formation of such a commission was a vital step toward justice and accountability in Pakistan. Suspending it undermines efforts to protect innocent lives, especially those from religious minorities who are often falsely accused under these laws.” 

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, emphasized the urgency of addressing systematic abuse: 

“We have documented countless cases where innocent individuals, including Christians and other minorities, have suffered unjust imprisonment and mob violence. The fact-finding commission represented hope for those families. Its suspension is a serious setback.” 

During the hearing, lawyer Kamran Murtaza, representing petitioner Rao Abdul Raheem, argued that his client had not been given a fair hearing and questioned the jurisdiction and authority of the judiciary in forming such a commission. He maintained that only the federal government holds the power to create commissions, not the judiciary. He also highlighted that approximately 400 blasphemy cases exist, some outside the Islamabad High Court’s jurisdiction. 

Justice Azam Khan raised critical concerns about procedural inconsistencies, asking whether a case could be kept pending after a final verdict had been issued—something the legal counsel rejected. 

The court’s decision to suspend the commission has sparked disappointment among rights groups and civil society advocates. LEAD Ministries has reiterated its call for transparency, justice, and legislative reform. 

“Pakistan needs independent oversight on how blasphemy laws are being applied,” said Sardar Mushtaq Gill. “We will continue to advocate for legal safeguards and stand with the victims who have no voice.” 

LEAD Ministries Pakistan continues to provide legal aid, advocacy, and spiritual support for victims of religious persecution and has been at the forefront of defending the rights of minority communities in Pakistan