False Blasphemy Accusation Forces Christian Household Into Hiding In Punjab, Pakistan

False Blasphemy Accusation Forces Christian Household into Hiding in Punjab, Pakistan

Punjab, Pakistan – In a tragic flip of occasions in northeast Punjab, a peaceable Christian workshop proprietor, Samuel Masih (identify modified for safety), was pressured to flee for his life after being falsely accused of blasphemy — a cost that, in Pakistan, typically incites lethal violence lengthy earlier than any authorized investigation can start.

Samuel, a revered and hard-working man, had constructed a profitable car workshop and was recognized in his neighborhood for equity and generosity. He employed a number of native employees, together with each Christians and Muslims. Nonetheless, his peaceable life was shattered when one in all his Muslim workers was caught stealing priceless elements from the workshop. A number of eyewitnesses confirmed the theft, however as an alternative of going through the results, the accused turned the tables by falsely accusing Samuel of constructing derogatory remarks in opposition to the Prophet of Islam.

In a matter of minutes, phrase unfold, and an offended mob of dozens of males started to collect. Understanding the upcoming hazard, Samuel escaped the workshop and instantly known as his spouse, urging her to take their three daughters and go away the home without delay. She fled to her dad and mom’ house, situated 15 kilometers away.

Panicked and uncertain of what to do subsequent, Samuel reached out to an previous Muslim pal  — one in all our native group members — for assist. Recognizing the gravity of the scenario, our group member instructed him to make his approach to Multan instantly for security. In the meantime, a rescue mission was swiftly organized.

Regardless of the danger, our workers member efficiently situated and evacuated Samuel’s spouse and daughters from their hiding place within the village. They’re now in a safe location.

This incident highlights the grave misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy legal guidelines, which are sometimes exploited for private revenge or to settle disputes. In Samuel’s case, a office dispute and an act of theft escalated right into a life-threatening accusation merely due to his Christian religion.

The household stays in hiding, their lives turned the other way up in a single day, whereas the actual perpetrator walks free. There was no formal investigation, no due course of — solely worry, chaos, and silence.

Poor Authorized System in Pakistan:

Between 2020 and mid-2025, Pakistan witnessed a disturbing sequence of extrajudicial killings linked to blasphemy accusations. No less than 9 people—together with Dr. Shah Nawaz Kunbhar, Mushtaq Ahmed, Nazir Masih, Abdul Ali, Mohammad Ismail, Priyantha Kumara, Muhammad Waris, Malik Ejaz, and Nigar Alam—have been killed by mobs or police with out trial. Some have been crushed to loss of life, others shot or lynched, typically in or close to police custody. Lots of the victims have been both mentally in poor health or denied correct authorized protection. These incidents spotlight the harmful misuse of blasphemy legal guidelines and the rising tradition of mob justice that continues to assert lives with little accountability.

The authorized system in Pakistan has tragically failed these accused below its harsh blasphemy legal guidelines. When somebody is accused—even falsely—they’re typically subjected to rapid violence. Police, as an alternative of defending the accused, could be part of the mob in beating and torturing them. If the particular person in some way survives and reaches the courtroom alive, their nightmare solely deepens. Periods courtroom trials drag on for over a 12 months, nearly at all times ending in a loss of life sentence, particularly if the accusation entails alleged disrespect towards the Prophet of Islam.

Appeals within the Excessive Courtroom can take greater than two years simply to be scheduled, and sometimes one other two years for a closing resolution. Even then, lower than 5% are granted bail or acquitted. If the enchantment is rejected, the accused should endure one other two to 3 years of struggling and uncertainty whereas the Supreme Courtroom decides their destiny. This countless authorized limbo—marked by worry, isolation, and hopelessness—destroys households and lives.

That is why we firmly imagine that anybody accused of blasphemy in Pakistan should be helped to depart the nation. Not for his or her consolation, however for his or her survival. There is no such thing as a security, no justice, and no peace for them below this damaged and brutal system.

We name upon the authorities in Pakistan to make sure the protection of this household and to deliver justice to those that exploit non secular sentiments for private achieve. False blasphemy accusations should not only a authorized matter — they’re a matter of life and loss of life.