Cases of blasphemy and mental illness on the rise in Pakistan

Blasphemy has been a sin since the time of the Bible. Anti-blasphemy laws still exist in about a quarter of the world's countries and territories, the majority of which are Muslim. In Pakistan, blasphemy is punished by death. Frequently, crowds assassinate the accused before the matter even reaches the courtroom. Blasphemy charges are frequently leveled against people with mental conditions and religious minorities. In a blasphemy case, a psychiatric evaluation might inform the court of mental disorder symptoms. Psychiatrists can also assist asylum seekers who have been accused of blasphemy in Pakistan or another country that punishes it.