Pakistani court sentences man to death for blasphemy

Sep 14, 2018

Pakistani police say a court has sentenced a Muslim man to death after finding him guilty of using derogatory remarks against Islam and its religious figures

ISLAMABAD — Pakistani police say a court has sentenced a Muslim man to death after finding him guilty of using derogatory remarks against Islam and its religious figures.

Local police official Noor Mohammad says judge Sadfar Iqbal in Friday's ruling also imposed a 50,000 rupee ($400) fine on Arshad Sardar in connection with a 2015 blasphemy case against him in the town of Sahiwal in eastern Punjab province.

The man has the right to appeal, but blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan and a mere allegation can often prompt violence.

Under Pakistani law, blasphemy against Islam is punishable by death.

MORE NEWS

Zheng Yongnian on what to expect from future Xi-Trump meetings
Oct 2, 2026
Zheng Yongnian on what to expect from future Xi-Trump meetings

Zheng Yongnian is a political scientist in China and a government adviser. His academic work is mainly about contemporary China, particularly politics, the country’s transformation and its external relations. SCMP Plus readers get early access to articles in the Open Questions series. Many have offered a lukewarm assessment of the Xi-Trump summit in Washington, citing the lack of a breakthrough. What is your take? There are two primary views right now. One is nihilism, which holds that China and...

Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 14: Lovlina Borgohain, Women's Archers Win Gold Medals
Oct 2, 2026
Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 14: Lovlina Borgohain, Women's Archers Win Gold Medals

Asian Games 2026, October 2 Live Updates: Follow all the latest updates from the 14th day of the event with Indian contingent in action across various sports.

David vs Goliaths: Singapore builds most accurate clock ever, leaves US and China in dust
Oct 2, 2026
David vs Goliaths: Singapore builds most accurate clock ever, leaves US and China in dust

A small Singaporean research team has beaten scientists in China and the United States to build the world’s most accurate atomic clock. The clock, built with a single ion of a rare earth metal element known as lutetium, is so precise that it would lose one second every 260 billion years – nearly 20 times the age of our universe. It is about four times as accurate as the previous record holder, a calcium-ion clock developed by a Chinese Academy of Sciences team in Wuhan, and also surpasses an...

In 1956, Houston postman Jeff McKissack began building with things he found on roadsides; 23 years later, those materials filled a strange 3,000-square-foot maze
Oct 2, 2026
In 1956, Houston postman Jeff McKissack began building with things he found on roadsides; 23 years later, those materials filled a strange 3,000-square-foot maze

Jeff McKissack, a retired mail carrier, built the Orange Show in Houston over 23 years. He used various found materials to create a vibrant art space advocating for healthy living. After his passing, a nonprofit was established to preserve the site, reopening it in 1982. Currently, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art is undergoing restoration and will remain closed until early 2027.

Government extends RoDTEP export tax refund scheme by three months till December 31
Oct 2, 2026
Government extends RoDTEP export tax refund scheme by three months till December 31

The government has extended the RoDTEP scheme until December 31, 2026, to support exporters amid challenges. This extension maintains the existing reimbursement rates and value caps for various export units. The RoDTEP scheme reimburses taxes and duties that are not refunded through other means, helping ease export costs. It has already covered over 10,700 tariff lines, with substantial disbursements made.

Alaska spent $46.9 million to lower electric bills in 186 communities in FY2025, covering 148.5 million kWh, where rural power costs can be far higher
Oct 2, 2026
Alaska spent $46.9 million to lower electric bills in 186 communities in FY2025, covering 148.5 million kWh, where rural power costs can be far higher

In fiscal year 2025, Alaska committed around $46.9 million to assist 186 remote communities with rising electricity expenses. By targeting the high costs associated with diesel-generated power, the initiative aims to lessen financial burdens on approximately 80,000 residents benefiting from the Power Cost Equalization Program. While this support is crucial, there remain significant challenges around transitioning to renewable energy sources, underscoring equity issues in rural energy access.

SEBI relies on amended rules in Embassy REIT 'Fit and Proper' matter, tells Bombay HC no disqualification made out
Oct 2, 2026
SEBI relies on amended rules in Embassy REIT 'Fit and Proper' matter, tells Bombay HC no disqualification made out

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has told the Bombay High Court that its examination of complaints concerning the "fit and proper" status of persons associated with Embassy Office Parks REIT was completed after the regulatory framework was amended in April 2026, and that the material available did not warrant disqualification under the amended provisions.

SEBI relies on amended rules in Embassy REIT 'Fit and Proper' matter, tells Bombay HC no disqualification made out
Oct 2, 2026
SEBI relies on amended rules in Embassy REIT 'Fit and Proper' matter, tells Bombay HC no disqualification made out

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has told the Bombay High Court that its examination of complaints concerning the "fit and proper" status of persons associated with Embassy Office Parks REIT was completed after the regulatory framework was amended in April 2026, and that the material available did not warrant disqualification under the amended provisions.

SBI Research sees CPI inflation at 5.65% in Sept, above 6.5% in Oct-Nov
Oct 2, 2026
SBI Research sees CPI inflation at 5.65% in Sept, above 6.5% in Oct-Nov

SBI Research forecasts a rise in CPI inflation to around 5.65 percent in September. They expect it to exceed 6.5 percent during October and November. Inflationary pressures have broadened significantly since the last monetary policy meeting. Additionally, the weakening rupee poses further risks to economic stability. The Reserve Bank of India may adjust its GDP growth and inflation projections during the upcoming policy review.

In 1977, Rich Man, Poor Man star Peter Strauss paid about $225,000 for a run-down 64-acre California ranch; 10 years later, it became a National Park Service site
Oct 2, 2026
In 1977, Rich Man, Poor Man star Peter Strauss paid about $225,000 for a run-down 64-acre California ranch; 10 years later, it became a National Park Service site

Peter Strauss purchased a ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains in 1977 and sold it to a state agency in 1983. The land has a rich history, including use as a resort before being acquired by the National Park Service. The ranch has opened to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy nature after extensive restoration work. Although the site suffered from the Woolsey Fire in 2018, it has since reopened.

Smit Machchhar’s journey: From ‘why become a pilot?’ to ‘Captain, you are a hero’
Oct 2, 2026
Smit Machchhar’s journey: From ‘why become a pilot?’ to ‘Captain, you are a hero’

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot praised for helping save a flydubai flight after a violent cockpit attack, had never originally planned to enter aviation. A textile engineer who discovered flying at 19, Machchhar went on to become a Boeing pilot, train on the 737 Max and mentor aspiring aviators, describing the profession as a career in which constant learning and composure are essential.

Daily World Feed

Get yourself immersed in engaging topics right here. Daily World Feed is a multi-platform media, providing you latest breaking news straight from the industry.

Sign Up