YOUR editorial (Feb 1) on pointing out the misuse of blasphemy laws, particularly in the case of Maulvi Ishaq, was not only timely but creates the notion that despite such blatant misuse of the law our legislators ignore taking any remedial measures.

The charge against accused Maulvi Ishaq, a US resident, was that his admirers in Talagang, Punjab, had bowed before him. This action, according to the complainant, amounted to commitment of ‘shirk’.

There are two grounds that obviate the absurdity of lodging the charge of blasphemy in this case. The judge who first heard the case in Chakwal was probably convinced that the accused had not committed blasphemy but for fear of a backlash from complainants in the case he felt it prudent to transfer the case to another district, Jhelum.

Secondly, bowing before elders, as a mark of respect, is a common practice in villages. In the instant case, as reported in newspapers, the basic intention of the complainant seems to be personal: to gain the custodianship of the money-generating shrine. Alas! The honourable Jhelum judge could not muster courage to call a spade a spade.

There is no doubt that such miscarriage of the law goes on and on in this otherwise lawless country of the pure.

SAYED GB SHAH BOKHARI Peshawar