ICC Note: A Muslim shopkeeper deeply offended the Hindu community in Pakistan by selling shoes decorated with the “Om” symbol. As a result, the shopkeeper has been arrested under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. In Pakistan, an individual can be convicted for blasphemy if they are perceived to have insulted someone’s religion. In most cases, the blasphemy laws in Pakistan are used to persecute religious minorities, such as Christians.

6/24/2016 Pakistan (The Christian Times) – A Muslim shopkeeper selling shoes carrying the “Om” symbol enraged the Hindu community who accused him of blasphemy and called for his arrest Monday, June 20.

Pakistani district police Farrukh Ali confirmed that they arrested a shopkeeper in the southern town of Tando Adam named Jahanzaib Khaskheli. According to The Hindu, the Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC) brought the matter to the Sindh government and authorities in Tando Adam area after hearing about the controversial shoe design.

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