Nawaz Sharif orders ban on online blasphemous content, demands strict punishment for offenders

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered that "blasphemous" content on social media websites be removed or blocked and those posting such material "strictly punished."

Blasphemy is a criminal offence in Pakistan and can carry the death penalty. Sharif's tough talk against blasphemy will appeal to his conservative voter base ahead of elections likely to take place next year.

"Effective steps must be taken immediately to remove and block such content," the prime minister said in a statement.

He instructed Pakistan's foreign ministry to contact international foreign social media firms and demand the blocking of blasphemous posts. He did not mention any