Ahmad Waqass Goraya is a prominent Pakistani blogger, activist, and human rights defender known for his outspoken views on social and political issues. His story involves advocacy for freedom of expression, criticism of religious extremism, and the challenges faced by individuals who question societal norms. Below is an overview of Ahmad Waqass Goraya’s background and his contributions to the realm of activism and free speech.

Early Life and Background:

Born in Okara, Pakistan, Ahmad Waqass Goraya initially pursued a career in graphics and animation. His journey into activism and blogging emerged as a response to the socio-political landscape in Pakistan, where issues of censorship, religious extremism, and human rights violations became significant concerns.

Working for “Mochi”

Ahmad Waqass Goraya played a significant role as the founder and co-administrator of Mochi, a satirical Facebook page dedicated to advocating for human rights and religious freedom. In a distressing turn of events in January 2017, Goraya, along with four other bloggers, was subjected to a 24-day abduction. Today, all but one of them reside in exile. The ordeal unfolded with a complaint filed against the activists on February 1, 2017, with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), accusing them of committing blasphemy on social media—a charge carrying the death penalty under Pakistani law. Following an initial investigation, the complaint was deemed baseless, highlighting the unfounded nature of the accusations.

Blogging and Activism:

Goraya gained prominence through his blog where he openly discussed and criticized societal issues, political events, and religious extremism in Pakistan. His writings often delved into topics considered sensitive by some segments of society, leading to both admiration and criticism for his bold stance.

Secular and Liberal Views:

Ahmad Waqass Goraya is known for his secular and liberal views, advocating for a more open and tolerant society. His writings and social media presence have reflected a commitment to principles such as freedom of expression, secularism, and the separation of religion from the state.

Abduction and Detention:

In January 2017, Goraya, along with four other activists, was abducted by unidentified individuals in Pakistan. The incident drew international attention and condemnation. After several weeks, Goraya and others were released, but the circumstances surrounding their abduction and the identity of the perpetrators remained unclear.

Exile and Continued Activism:

Following the abduction, Ahmad Waqass Goraya chose to live in exile due to concerns for his safety in Pakistan. Despite being away from his homeland, he continued his activism, utilizing various platforms to advocate for human rights, free speech, and secular values.

Impact and Legacy:

Goraya’s story represents the challenges faced by activists and bloggers who express dissenting views in environments with limited tolerance for criticism. His resilience and commitment to his principles have inspired others to speak out against injustices and restrictions on freedom of expression.

Conclusion:

Ahmad Waqass Goraya’s journey from a blogger in Pakistan to an exiled activist highlights the complexities of advocating for human rights and free speech in challenging environments. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of defending fundamental rights and challenging oppressive norms, even in the face of adversity.