The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) implemented a comprehensive awareness campaign in Gujranwala to address widespread misunderstandings of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, emerging risks of cyber blasphemy, and the psychological toll borne by affected communities. Through a multi-layered approach—community seminars, student-focused sessions, interactive dialogues, lobbying meetings, and the distribution of IEC materials—the campaign empowered minorities and wider society with knowledge, resilience, and practical safety tools.
The program was built around three interlinked pillars:
- Legal Awareness – Explaining Sections 295–298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code to dispel misconceptions.
- Digital Safety – Highlighting the dangers of online blasphemy allegations and strategies for safe digital engagement.
- Trauma Recovery – Promoting psychosocial support for individuals and communities facing accusations or stigma.
Orientation and Preparations
Before rolling out field activities, NCJP held an orientation meeting with the Gujranwala team. The session included a project briefing, transfer of IEC materials (posters, flyers, and the research publication “Beyond the Accusation: Uncovering the Lasting Impact of Blasphemy Cases”), and assignment of roles and responsibilities. This preparatory step ensured consistent messaging and structured delivery throughout the campaign.
Outreach Activities and Participation
1. Parish and Community Seminars
NCJP organized 25 parish-based seminars across Gujranwala in churches and community halls, reaching over 1,500 participants including parents, catechists, women, youth, and parish leaders. Sessions were led by diocesan coordinator, legal experts, and NCJP’s National Director, Fr. Bernard Emmanuel. Participants were introduced to blasphemy-related laws with practical examples, and many expressed a newfound confidence in navigating sensitive situations both offline and online.
2. Student Sessions in Schools
Recognizing the vulnerability and influence of youth in the digital sphere, NCJP conducted seminars in schools such as St. Joseph High School (Hafizabad), St. Mary’s School (Chan Da Qila), St. Francis High School (Francisabad), and New Hope School (Saleem Colony). These sessions equipped 1,500+ students and teachers with awareness of religious sensitivities, digital ethics, and legal implications of online speech. Students reported practical behavioral changes, such as reviewing risky forwarded content, and several schools revived peace clubs to foster interfaith respect and dialogue.
3. Lobbying Meetings
NCJP organized 50 lobby meetings with parish leaders, educators, and local officials. Around 500 stakeholders engaged in discussions on integrating legal awareness and psychosocial support within existing school and parish structures. These meetings emphasized proactive community preparedness rather than reactive responses, ensuring sustainability of awareness beyond the project’s timeline.
4. Cultural Carnivals
To reach a broader population and use creative platforms for awareness, NCJP conducted 4 cultural carnivals with active participation of 4,200 students and teachers (including 200 educators and principals). These events blended art, culture, and awareness, enabling young people to internalize legal and psychosocial concepts in a participatory environment.
5. Interactive Dialogues
Six structured dialogues were held with 200–400 participants, including human rights defenders, religious representatives, youth leaders, political figures, government departments, and civil society organizations. These dialogues created a bridge between communities and formal institutions, fostering joint strategies for legal clarity, trauma care, and interfaith harmony.
IEC Material Development and Dissemination
A strong component of the campaign was the creation and distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material to ensure sustainability and wide accessibility.
- Flyers: 4,000 distributed, reaching an estimated 6,000 beneficiaries (minorities including children, youth, women, men, and clergy).
- Posters: 2,500 disseminated to minorities and majorities alike, benefiting 4,000 individuals.
- Research Publication: “Beyond the Accusation: Uncovering the Lasting Impact of Blasphemy Cases” was circulated to 1,000 key stakeholders (including scholars, faith leaders, and civil society actors), with outreach to over 3,000 readers through events and networks.
These materials used simple language and culturally relevant illustrations to ensure accessibility, especially for youth and grassroots communities.
Overall Reach and Beneficiaries
The combined project activities reflect a wide and inclusive outreach:
| Activity Type | Number of Activities | Participants / Beneficiaries |
| Flyers | 1 (4,000 distributed) | ~6,000 beneficiaries |
| Posters | 1 (2,500 distributed) | ~4,000 beneficiaries |
| Research Material | 1 | ~3,000 readers |
| Parish Seminars | 25 | 1,500 participants |
| Lobby Meetings | 50 | 500 stakeholders |
| Cultural Carnivals | 4 | 4,200 students & teachers |
| Interactive Dialogues | 6 | 200–400 stakeholders |
Total Direct Outreach: ~19,200 individuals
Impact
The campaign produced several significant outcomes:
- Increased Legal Literacy: Communities now possess a clearer understanding of Sections 295–298-C of the PPC.
- Digital Behavior Change: Youth reported greater caution in sharing or engaging with sensitive content online.
- Strengthened Community Structures: Parish leaders, teachers, and local authorities are better prepared to address blasphemy-related challenges.
- Psychosocial Support Awareness: Victims and communities affected by accusations are more aware of counseling and trauma recovery strategies.
- Sustained Dialogue: Interactive engagements fostered linkages between civil society, authorities, and faith representatives.
Conclusion
Through a carefully planned combination of IEC materials, school and parish sessions, lobbying, carnivals, and dialogues, NCJP reached nearly 20,000 people in Gujranwala with critical knowledge on blasphemy laws, cyber safety, and trauma recovery. The project not only raised awareness but also fostered practical changes in digital behavior, renewed commitment to peacebuilding, and stronger community resilience.