Addressing the gathering on Wednesday, speakers read a joint statement on behalf of scholars and political leaders within the Shia community.
They issued an ultimatum to the government, declaring they will march towards Islamabad and stage a massive sit-in protest on the first day of the Islamic month of Rabi al-Awwal (September 16) unless the controversial laws were rescinded.
They warned that the blasphemy laws were being used to marginalize the Shia community and curtail their ceremonies, particularly during the mourning months of Muharram and Safar, under false charges of blasphemy.
In January, the National Assembly of Pakistan, or the lower chamber of Parliament, unanimously passed an amendment to the country's blasphemy laws, increasing punishment for actions deemed blasphemous. The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2023 recently passed the Senate.
Shia leaders and politicians joined other minority groups in vehemently opposing the controversial legislation, citing its potential for exacerbating sectarian tensions and targeting minorities.
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