There has been a lot of calls for law making against hate speech lately ... I keep wondering what would constitute hate speech in Pakistan ? .. The opponents of hate speech are mostly the ones who dont want any limitation on free speech. Its definition is quite loose to be honest. By definition its any kind of speech which offends or incites hatred towards any group of people based on their race, ethnicity & religion (in our case sects as well). But in practice its not the case even in most European countries (except Anti-Semitism). So when we demand the laws against it, what are we looking for. Ive seen a lot of posts against what Mr Aziz of Lal masjid said the other day and based on the definition of hate speech whatever he said or what Munawar Hassan said (as much preposterous as that might be) do not fall in the category of hate speech. I have a feeling if this kind of law is made, it will be misused a lot ... People will be quick to label anything as hate speech which they dont like or which offends them in individual capacity For example speaking against MQM will not constitute hate speech but speaking against Mohajirs might do .. Speaking againt ANP, JUIF voters wont be hate speech but speaking against Pashtuns in general can be. Plus people would want something against the individuals glorifying /defending Taliban or other militancy ... So they might have to bring a modified version of hate speech with the addition of anyone speaking in favor of militancy/insurgency/separatist movements to be labelled as hate speech but that will surely bring the free speech debate into the mix. Any such laws can be challenged in court as well .. So How do we distinguish between free speech and hate speech here objectively?
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 17:16:00 +0000
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