In the globalized society, digital norms define our behavior, language, and communication over the Internet. These norms are highly important in countries where religious sensitivities overlap with the increased internet use. With the emergence of social media, new issues have been encountered particularly in a nation i.e. Pakistan where religion is central. The Pakistani population is struggling with the relevant balance between religious sensitivity and online freedom in the modern age in the digital world.
Roots of Pakistan Blasphemy laws: The blasphemy law being practiced in Pakistan was inherited by the colonial rulers of the British when it achieved its independence in 1947. Over the decades after the process of gaining independence, Pakistan became weaker in terms of democratic and civil institutions with frequent military coups consolidating the significance of the country as the religious one. In 1977, the Islamization by General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq result in a strict construction of Islamic principles laid foundation of blasphemy rules.
The Concept of Digital Norms : Digital norms are the standards of acting and talking online. They are not necessarily written laws but are dependent on culture, law, politics and technology. These norms are also heavily influenced by religion, state policy and the socio-political environment. Digital norms in Pakistan have been highly defined by the blasphemy laws of Pakistan, which consider it a crime to commit acts that are viewed as profaning or derogating to religion or religious leaders.
Online Blasphemy: Digital Frontier: The offense of blasphemy is speech, gesture, representation of any kind that insults Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, or any other sacred Islamic characters or sites.
Internet Censorship: In spite of the demands of the internet freedom, the world sees an increase in online censorship by states on what can be accessed online in their territory. According to the Open Net Initiative, Pakistan has been reported to be among the states that limit access to particular material on the world wide web based on its social, political and religious aspects. Yet, the process of internet filtering in Pakistan is mostly sheer and is aimed at content considered either as threat to national security or as the incidence of blasphemy. The temporary block of Wikipedia over blasphemous material has put the issue of internet censorship in the country under the limelight.
The Cost of blasphemy Accusations: In Pakistan, an accusation of committing blasphemy online can be harmful to the life of the blamed individual, even though a blamed might not have committed a crime. The digital accusations go viral most of the times especially on WhatsApp or Facebook followed by intimidations, demonstrations, arrests or even tragedies. This has led to a situation of fear where most users prefer to self-censor, discuss less controversial issues or simply not enter digital space.
Pakistan is at cross roads of digital frontier. On the one hand, the government is stimulating the development of IT, computer literacy and Internet services. Meanwhile it is cracking down on what citizens can write on the internet and this includes anything related to religion. The problem is not about media itself but about pack of awareness among people regarding it. There should be balance approach to deal it.
Reconstructing Digital Norms: The subject of blasphemy laws in Pakistan is contentious and the view of the masses is divided in two different categories. There is one camp which feels the laws are imperative and are essential to safeguard the feelings of the Muslims, given the fact that they respect the finality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The other camp feels that the laws are draconic, people with certain interests are taking an advantage, trying to attack primarily the minorities, and resolving individual vendettas and conflicts. These norms are not born in a day. These are established with time by governments, court, media and users.
Conclusion: There is a strong segmentation in Pakistani society with regard to problem of blasphemy. The Pakistani cyber environment is highly religious, legal and political. Though they are based on the virtues of safeguarding religious feelings, online blasphemy laws are usually abused leading to fear, violence, and injustice. Censorship and fear currently dominate the construction of the digital norms in Pakistan, rather than rights and dialogue. However, it does not need to be that way. Respect and openness in the digital climate will create a culture of digital responsibility in Pakistan.
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