A professor of Islam known for his liberal religious views, was gunned down in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi.
The incident took place on Thursday 18th September 2014, after a Madrassah issued a Fatwa (Islamic Decree) relating to alleged blasphemy and apostasy against him.
Dr Auj had issued controversial fatwas (religious decrees) declaring that a Muslim woman could marry a non-Muslim man, and that women need not remove lipstick or nail polish before saying their prayers. Due to such views he was accused of apostasy and blasphemy.
Dr Auj was fighting a legal case against the originator of a widely-circulated text message, that labelled him an apostate. Colleagues alleged his predecessor was to blame.
At the time he opened the case, he told police: “It has endangered my life and on the basis of the propaganda I could be murdered.”
Despite calls for better security to the Authorities Dr Auj was provided no assistance.
A blasphemy offence is punishable by death under the Pakistan Penal Code, and accusations of blasphemy have inspired a rising tide of vigilante killings. These killings are a sign of growing intolerance in the country.
Local campaigner, Yousaf Masih said; “The laws are frequently abused in pursuit of personal or professional grudges, and many accused are languishing in jails in wait of justice.”
Asia Bibi death convicted in blasphemy is in wait of justice and she is also languishing in jail since her accusation. Her appeal case is pending in Lahore High Court for decision in which next date of hearing is fixed October 16,2014.
