Freedom of Expression in International Human Rights Law and Challenges from Islamic Law in Pakistan

Abstract

Having ratified the core instruments, Pakistan has joined, by and large, the International Human Rights Law Regime protecting freedom of expression. The free speech and expression has none the less cross-cutting impact on cultural and political as well as religious practices in the country. While providing this freedom, the Constitution of Pakistan has Pakistan has clearly inserted a caveat that the exercise of such a freedom shall restricted by law in the interest of the glory of Islam. Hate speech and blasphemy, therefore, stands criminalized in the state. This paper intends to engage with some with the some of the core issues which the state and society face while complying with international commitments vis-à-vis the constitutionally required adherence to Islamic Law.