Unveiling the Islamabad Blasphemy Racket: A Sinister Network Exploiting Religion and Law

 Investigative Article: Islamabad Blasphemy Gang Case – A Heinous Network Exposed

In Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, a shocking gang has been uncovered, exploiting sacred concepts like religion, law, and humanity for nefarious purposes. This gang has turned the grave accusation of blasphemy into a business, ensnaring innocent people to extort hefty sums or ruin their lives. This case has not only shaken the conscience of Pakistani society but also raised serious questions about law enforcement agencies, religious leaders, and the judicial system. This article provides a detailed analysis of the gang’s modus operandi, its members, legal developments, and societal impacts.

Case Background

In July 2025, several posts on the social media platform highlighted a chilling network that uses false blasphemy allegations to blackmail individuals. These posts claimed that the gang includes influential figures such as the brother of Maulana Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, corrupt officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), a prominent lawyer Rao Abdul Qayyum, and women who target victims on social media. According to BBC Urdu reports, the case is being heard “in camera” (in closed sessions) at the Islamabad High Court, with human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari’s legal team representing over 100 victims. 

This case is more than just a criminal activity; it reflects the misuse of religion, institutional corruption, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in Pakistani society.

Modus Operandi

The gang operates with a highly organized and sinister strategy. According to X posts, the group follows these steps to trap and extort victims:

1. Targeting Victims: Female members of the gang initiate contact with men on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. They start with casual conversations, gradually steering the discussion toward sensitive religious topics.

2. Gathering Evidence: During the conversation, they provoke the victim into saying something that could be construed as blasphemous, capturing screenshots as evidence.

3. FIA Involvement: The screenshots are handed over to corrupt FIA officials, who arrest the victim and detain them in illegal private cells.

4. Blackmail and Extortion: After detention, the victim is demanded large sums of money. Those who pay are released.

5. Blasphemy Charges: If the victim refuses to pay, they are charged under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code for blasphemy, which carries a death penalty. According to an X post, over 450 individuals are imprisoned due to this gang, with at least five reported deaths.

6. Judicial Manipulation: Influential members, such as lawyer Rao Abdul Qayyum, allegedly attempt to manipulate legal proceedings to prevent justice for victims.

This modus operandi reveals how the gang not only destroys lives but also exploits Pakistan’s judicial system and religious sentiments for illicit gains.

Key Members of the Gang

Maulana Tahir Ashrafi’s Brother: Maulana Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, is said to have a brother who is a central figure in the gang. Videos circulating online show him being escorted from court. However, this claim remains unverified and awaits judicial confirmation.

Corrupt FIA Officials: Some FIA officials are accused of collaborating with the gang, arresting victims and holding them in illegal detention while demanding bribes for their release.

Rao Abdul Qayyum: A prominent lawyer allegedly providing legal cover for the gang and attempting to influence judicial proceedings. An X post labeled him as the mastermind of the operation.

Women Active on Social Media: These women serve as the initial point of contact, luring victims into traps and collecting incriminating evidence. One X post named a woman, Komal Ismail (alias Imaan), accusing her of framing hundreds of individuals in false cases.

Legal Developments and Imaan Mazari’s Role

The case is under trial at the Islamabad High Court, conducted in camera to expose the powerful figures involved. Imaan Mazari’s legal team is representing over 100 victims, as per BBC Urdu reports. The team has gathered substantial evidence, including WhatsApp chats, screenshots, and other documents. 

Imaan Mazari has described the case as both a legal and societal issue, emphasizing that the gang is not only destroying lives but also undermining religious harmony and the credibility of Pakistan’s judicial system.

Societal and Legal Implications

This case raises critical questions for Pakistani society:

1. Misuse of Religion: The misuse of blasphemy laws for personal vendettas or financial gain has been a recurring issue in Pakistan. This case highlights the severity of how religious sentiments are weaponized to ruin innocent lives.

2. Institutional Corruption: The alleged involvement of FIA officials underscores deep-rooted corruption in key institutions, highlighting the urgent need for reforms.

3. Pressure on the Judiciary: The presence of influential figures and attempts to manipulate legal proceedings raise questions about the transparency and impartiality of the judicial system. The in-camera hearings reflect the case’s sensitivity.

4. Role of Social Media: This case showcases both the positive and negative aspects of social media. While X played a crucial role in exposing the gang, the same platform was used to trap victims.

Public Reaction and BBC Reporting

BBC Urdu published two significant reports on the case, on June 30 and July 7, 2025, detailing the gang’s activities and the ongoing court proceedings. According to BBC, this case is a critical legal battle against those fueling religious extremism in Pakistan.

On social media platform s, the public has expressed outrage, labeling the gang as “enemies of humanity” and calling for their exposure and justice for victims. One user wrote, “It’s our collective responsibility to expose those who weaponize religion, law, and honor.”

Challenges and Future Prospects

Resolving this case faces several challenges:

1. Influence of Powerful Figures: The involvement of influential individuals could hinder legal proceedings, making justice elusive.

2. Sensitivity of Blasphemy Laws: Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are highly sensitive, and discussions about their misuse remain controversial. This case may necessitate a review of these laws.

3. Public Safety: Since the gang uses social media to target victims, public awareness campaigns are needed to educate people about the risks of discussing sensitive topics online.

Recommendations

1. Legal Reforms: Stricter regulations should be introduced to prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws, with severe penalties for false accusers.

2. Institutional Transparency: A robust accountability system should be established to eliminate corruption in agencies like the FIA.

3. Public Awareness: Campaigns should be launched to educate the public about the dangers of discussing sensitive topics on social media.

4. Strengthening Judicial Processes: Transparent and impartial hearings must be ensured to deliver justice to victims.

Conclusion

The Islamabad blasphemy gang case is a wake-up call for Pakistani society. It not only exposes a criminal network but also highlights deeper issues of religious misuse, institutional corruption, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Imaan Mazari’s legal team and BBC’s reporting have played a pivotal role in bringing this case to light, but achieving full justice requires collective action. This case is not just being fought in court but in the conscience of society. It is our shared responsibility to expose those who weaponize religion and law and to ensure justice for the victims.

Note: The information in this article is based on BBC reports. As the case is under trial, some claims await judicial verification.

References

- BBC Urdu reports, June 30 and July 7, 2025