Pakistan Seeks to Censor Brightwork Over True Islamic Coverage

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Executive Summary

Islam is in complete opposition to freedom of speech.
A letter from the Pakistani government for violating their blasphemy laws is just another example of this.

Introduction

Islam is in total opposition to freedom of speech. This is why Pakistan sent us a message informing us our article on Islam would be censored.

About Our References

See our references for this article and related articles at this link.

The Email From the Pakistani Government

Here is the email we received on Feb 26 2022.

Point #1: The Content is Outrageous and Severely Hurting?

Dear Administrator,

The website https://www.brightworkresearch.com is hereby issued Notice as under:

WHEREAS it has been reported to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (the “Authority”) that the Website i.e https://www.brightworkresearch.com/ (“Platform”) is hosting an article i.e https://www.brightworkresearch.com/how-muslims-lie-about-islams-promise-of-72-virgins-in-heaven/, based on hostility against religion of Islam/Muslims, which is outrageous and severely hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims.

Everything in the article is true, which should be noted; the email from the Pakistan government does not address this fact. Instead, they go with the fact that it hurts the feelings of Muslims. However, one should note that Muslims don’t spend a lot of time considering the feelings of other religions or other the feelings of atheists.

Point #2: The Content is Blasphemous and Prosecutable?

It is informed that dissemination of such blasphemous content is a cognizable offence under sections 295-A, 295-C, 298 and 298-A of Pakistan Penal Code 1860 (“PPC”) and abuse of Article 260 (3) and Article 31 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 (“Constitution of Pakistan”).

Naturally, Pakistan is blasphemy laws. And if Pakistan, I could be criminally prosecuted. This is what keeps Islam in power worldwide — everywhere Islam is dominant, freedom of speech does not exist. Therefore, Islam does not have to compete on its ideas, as it silences those that disagree with it.

Point #3: Pakistan Can Block Content for the Glory of Islam and for Public Order and Morality?

AND WHEREAS the Authority has been empowered under section 37 (1) of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (“PECA”) to remove or block or issue directions for removal or blocking of access to an information through any information system if it considers it necessary in the interest of glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defense of Pakistan or any part thereof, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court or commission of or incitement to an offense under PECA.

AND WHEREAS as per section 1(4), PECA shall apply to any act committed outside Pakistan by any person if the act constitutes an offence under PECA and affects any person, property, information system or data located in Pakistan.

This law appears to contradict the laws in countries that are outside of Pakistan.

Point #4: Accurate Articles on Islam are Barred from Pakistan?

AND WHEREAS in accordance with section 37(2) read with section 51 of PECA, Federal Government has approved the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards), Rules 2021 (“Rules 2021”), which provide safeguards, process and mechanism for exercise of powers by the Authority under PECA for removal of or blocking access to unlawful Online Content through any information system.

AND WHEREAS Rule 3(2) of the Rules 2021 provides that the direction, issued by the Authority under the PECA and under these Rules 2021, shall prevail and take precedence over any contrary Community Guidelines and such Community Guidelines shall be deemed to be of no legal effect.

NOW THEREFORE the Platform is hereby issued this notice pursuant to Rule 5(7)(i) of the Rules 2021 with the direction to remedy the contravention by geo-fencing the aforementioned Link on the platform and bar its viewership in Pakistan within (48) hrs of the issuance of this notice and explain in writing, as to why an order under rule 5(7)(ii) of the Rules 2021 may not be passed. The Platform is at liberty to clarify its position and satisfy the Authority within stipulated time either through physical appearance or virtual meeting as deemed appropriate.

This issues with the approval of the Authority.

Long story short is that the offending article will no longer be viewable in Pakistan, and I need to be careful not to travel to Pakistan as I could be prosecuted under Pakistani blasphemy laws.

What Would Be My Punishment Under Pakistani Law (or Extrajudicially)?

I found this in an article from the BBC.

Man accused of blasphemy dragged out of police station, stripped naked, beaten to death by mob in Pakistan. Lahore: A man, accused of blasphemy, was killed by a mob in Punjab province of Pakistan on Saturday. The violent mob stormed a police station at Warburton, Nankana Sahib, some 80kms from Lahore, and lynched the man for allegedly desecrating the Quran, the Muslim holy book.
Muhammad Waris was taken into police custody after a mob attacked him but the group entered the station, took him out of the premises and tried to set him ablaze, police spokesman Muhammad Waqas told Reuters. Before beating the man to death, the mob stripped him naked and also dragged him in the streets. According to Geo News, locals claimed that the man used to practice witchcraft by pasting his former wife’s picture on holy books.

This shows that the blasphemy laws are not just supported and enforced by the Pakistani government, many Pakistanis agree with them — and it is part of Muslim doctrine to kill anyone who defames Islam.

This quote is from the article Pakistan Strengthens Already Harsh Laws Against Blasphemy.

Those convicted of insulting the Prophet Muhammad’s wives, companions or close relatives will now face 10 years in prison, a sentence that can be extended to life, along with a fine of 1 million rupees, roughly $4,500. It also makes the charge of blasphemy an offense for which bail is not possible.