Islamabad, 17 April 2023 (GNP): A Chinese engineer working on the Dasu Dam project in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been arrested by local police on charges of blasphemy. The incident occurred during the holy month of Ramadan when the engineer and Pakistani workers got into a dispute over the pace of work. The workers accused the engineer of using derogatory language against Islam and Prophet Muhammad, which led to his arrest on blasphemy charges.
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Blasphemy is a criminal offense in Pakistan and carries significant legal consequences, including imprisonment and in some cases, the death penalty. However, such accusations can also be highly charged and sensitive, leading to mob violence and extrajudicial killings in some cases.
The Dasu Dam project is of great importance as it is a crucial component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at building infrastructure and promoting economic development across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
The arrest of the Chinese engineer has raised concerns about the safety of Chinese workers in Pakistan, particularly since China is a significant investor in the country’s infrastructure projects.