Pakistani blogger Asma Batool jailed on blasphemy charges: ‘All gods were witness to …’ poem on rape sparks outrage – Times of India

A Pakistani blogger named Asma Batool has been jailed on blasphemy charges after sharing a poem on social media about the harassment women face in South Asian countries.
She was detained following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by religious clerics who claimed that the poem insulted Allah.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for her release.
The poem that led to Batool’s arrest was written by Salman Haider and shared by her on Instagram. It reads, “Khuda, Bhagwan or Ishwar, sab maujood they, jab rape hua,” which translates to, “All the gods were witness when rape happened.”
Batool also narrated another poem on Instagram with the caption, “Your country is the same as mine.”

The FIR against Batool was filed on August 25 by Maulana Tahir Bashir, president of Ahlus Sunnat Wal Jamaat District in Poonch. Following the FIR, Batool’s family reported that a mob attacked their home, threatened their lives, and attempted to set their house on fire. They allege that the attackers accused them of abandoning their faith.

Visuals circulating on social media show a mob led by local clerics pressuring Batool’s family to disown her or face social ostracism.
Activists from across the country are calling for Batool’s release and the removal of what they describe as “fabricated charges” against her.

As per reports, Batool has been an active voice against the oppression of minorities in Pakistan on social media. Her YouTube channel features videos of her celebrating Holi and discussing the people of Kashmir.