Blasphemy Suspect Murdered in Police Custody; Officer Arrested Amid Protests

A Pakistani police officer allegedly killed a blasphemy suspect detained in Quetta’s Kharotabad station. The officer pretended to be the suspect’s relative before shooting him. The incident sparked protests and police station attacks. District officials restored order, and a senator vowed to support the officer’s legal expenses.

A police officer in Quetta, Pakistan, allegedly murdered a man held on blasphemy charges at the Kharotabad police station, as reported by the Pakistan-based daily Dawn. Quetta's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Muhammad Baloch confirmed on Thursday that the accused officer had been arrested.

The officer reportedly pretended to be a relative of the deceased before committing the murder, according to Dawn. The blasphemy suspect allegedly made objectionable remarks about the Prophet during a phone call which went viral on social media, igniting widespread criticism and protests. A first information report (FIR) was filed against the blasphemy suspect under Sections 295C and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, and an investigation is ongoing.

"We registered an FIR against the blasphemy suspect and arrested him immediately after receiving the information," Dawn quoted a senior police officer. The suspect was taken into custody earlier this week at a fortified station as an angry mob demanded his release to them.

Protesters from Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and other religious groups blocked traffic by setting tires on fire on the western bypass, staged rallies, and targeted the police station with a hand grenade. No injuries were reported. District administration officials and senior police officers managed to negotiate with TLP leaders and reopen the bypass.

During a Senate session, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan (JUI-P) Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan expressed solidarity with the police officer, pledging to cover his legal expenses. "The officer acted out of distrust in the legal system. While his actions were wrong in terms of Shariat and the law, I hold the legal system responsible. We will not tolerate any blasphemous remarks against the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)," Dawn quoted him as saying.

(With inputs from agencies.)