Epilogue: Is There a Solution to Blasphemy Problem: Answers Beyond the Law

Departing from orthodox conventions, this chapter offers pragmatic policy solutions to the blasphemy problem by delving into the lived realities of Pakistan. It unveils a nuanced cultural perspective on Pakistan, highlighting its diverse population and the continually evolving sensibilities of Islam and life within both local and global societal contexts. Furthermore, it uncovers deeply entrenched existential dynamics crucial for transforming Pakistan’s blasphemy landscape. The chapter asserts that the blasphemy issue cannot be remedied by laws and the legal system alone, which are often disregarded by prevailing grand cultural schemes and normative structures. Concurrently, it argues that instead of viewing the blasphemy problem exclusively as a “theological incident and product,” we should conceptualize it as a phenomenon rooted in the broader cultural context, which establishes the general scheme of life in the country. The chapter persuasively contends that Pakistan and the majority of its Muslim population cannot be adequately understood through references to Islam, the Taliban, Jihadism, or Islamism. Instead, they should be situated against the backdrop of everyday Islam and mundane rhythms, embroiled in a convoluted and often contradictory interplay of culture and religion. Finally, it underscores the capacity of public anthropology to transform discussions about blasphemy, violence, and homicide into pathways toward peace.