In Quetta, Pakistan, a police officer fatally shot a suspect, Syed Khan, inside a police station on Thursday. Khan had been arrested the previous day following accusations of blasphemy, claiming he had insulted Prophet Muhammad. The incident unfolded after a mob, enraged by Khan’s alleged remarks, demanded his release for their own justice.
Local authorities have arrested the officer involved in the shooting, though details remain scarce. Blasphemy accusations in Pakistan often lead to violent mob reactions and extreme legal measures. Despite this, Pakistan has not executed anyone under its blasphemy laws. The killing of blasphemy suspects while in custody is unusual but highlights ongoing tensions related to religious offenses.
The incident in Quetta adds to a troubling pattern of violence against blasphemy suspects in Pakistan. In recent years, such cases have seen increased mob violence and severe community unrest. Notable past incidents include the lynching of a blasphemy suspect in Madyan and attacks on Christian communities in Punjab, underscoring the volatile nature of blasphemy allegations in the country.