Baluchistan, 12 September 2024 – A police officer in Quetta has been arrested after killing a blasphemy suspect in police custody. The incident took place at Quetta's Cantt police station, where the officer, Syed Khan Sarhadi, shot and killed Abdul Ali, who had been accused of blasphemy.
SSP Operation Muhammad Baloch confirmed the arrest of the police officer responsible for the shooting. According to Baloch, a large crowd had gathered outside the police station, demanding that the accused be handed over to them following his arrest the previous day.
The killing has triggered widespread protests and violence across Quetta. In a separate incident, the Kharotabad police station came under a grenade attack during a violent demonstration by an enraged mob. Protesters, affiliated with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and other religious groups, demanded that the police hand over another blasphemy suspect, who had been arrested on Wednesday.
The suspect in the Kharotabad case was taken into custody after a case was registered against him under Sections 295C and 34 of the penal code, following allegations of using objectionable language against the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in a viral phone conversation. Protests erupted across the provincial capital, with demonstrators blocking the western bypass by setting tyres on fire and staging rallies in several areas.
The situation escalated when a hand grenade was thrown at the Kharotabad police station by protesters, though it exploded outside the station without causing any injuries or loss of life. A senior police officer stated, "We have registered an FIR against the blasphemy suspect and arrested him soon after receiving information about the incident."
Efforts to contain the violence included negotiations between district administration officials, senior police officers, and TLP leaders. The crowd eventually dispersed, and the western bypass was reopened. However, protest rallies continued in other parts of Quetta, with demonstrators carrying placards and banners demanding the blasphemy suspect's handover to the mob.
The unrest highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding blasphemy accusations in Pakistan, where such allegations often lead to violent protests and attacks.
