**Parents Call for Independent Inquiry into Alleged Honey Trap Blasphemy Cases Targeting Children**
ISLAMABAD – Parents of children allegedly implicated in blasphemy cases through social media “honey traps” have called on the federal government to order an independent and impartial investigation into the matter. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad, accompanied by their legal representatives, the parents emphasized that their petition to the federal government and the Islamabad High Court does not seek any legal amendments, but instead aims to expose organized groups purportedly involved in falsely implicating innocent people for personal and financial gain.
The parents and their lawyers—including Usman Warraich Advocate, Rana Abdul Hameed Advocate, Imaan Mazari Advocate, and Rizwan Advocate—stated that both they and their children are devout Muslims with full faith in the doctrine of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat. They alleged that a particular group is systematically abusing Pakistan’s blasphemy laws by entrapping individuals online, then coercing or framing them in fake blasphemy cases for ulterior motives. The parents urged the government to take responsibility for halting this misuse to protect innocent citizens.
They also cited a report by the Special Branch that purportedly exposes these fraudulent activities, and urged the formation of an independent commission to thoroughly investigate the persons named in the report. According to the speakers, only a small group of 35 individuals consistently receive alleged blasphemy-related content, suggesting suspicious patterns. The parents called for checks into these individuals’ assets and sources of income since 2021, spotlighting their potential complicity.
The press conference further highlighted concerns about intense online criticism and threats faced not only by victims’ families but also by judges presiding over such cases. The parents condemned attempts to influence the judiciary through social media campaigns, especially those aimed at undermining court proceedings during live streams.
While pointing out that national investigative bodies have already compiled significant reports on these incidents, the parents expressed disappointment that the very individuals named in these reports oppose the formation of an investigative commission. The parents contended that if these individuals have nothing to hide, they should support a transparent inquiry, which would help clarify the facts.
In closing, the families appealed to the government and particularly to religious scholars to back the establishment of the commission and to refrain from supporting those who manipulate religious sentiments for disruptive or self-serving purposes. They stressed that safeguarding the rights and futures of not only more than 450 affected individuals, but also those of future generations, hinges on clear, neutral, and thorough investigations into these allegations.
