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, usually 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 identified in his neighborhood for equity and generosity. He employed a number of native staff, together with each Christians and Muslims. Nonetheless, his peaceable life was shattered when considered one of his Muslim workers was caught stealing worthwhile elements from the workshop. A number of eyewitnesses confirmed the theft, however as an alternative of dealing with the implications, the accused turned the tables by falsely accusing Samuel of constructing derogatory remarks towards the Prophet of Islam.
In a matter of minutes, phrase unfold, and an indignant mob of dozens of males started to assemble. Understanding the approaching hazard, Samuel escaped the workshop and instantly referred to as his spouse, urging her to take their three daughters and depart the home directly. She fled to her dad and mom’ house, situated 15 kilometers away.
Panicked and not sure of what to do subsequent, Samuel reached out to an outdated Muslim buddy — considered one of our native crew members — for assist. Recognizing the gravity of the state of affairs, our crew member instructed him to make his option to Multan instantly for security. In the meantime, a rescue mission was swiftly organized.
Regardless of the chance, our employees 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 wrong way up in a single day, whereas the true perpetrator walks free. There was no formal investigation, no due course of — solely concern, 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 overwhelmed to demise, others shot or lynched, usually in or close to police custody. Lots of the victims have been both mentally ailing or denied correct authorized protection. These incidents spotlight the damaging 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 underneath its harsh blasphemy legal guidelines. When somebody is accused—even falsely—they’re usually subjected to quick violence. Police, as an alternative of defending the accused, could be a part of the mob in beating and torturing them. If the individual by some means survives and reaches the courtroom alive, their nightmare solely deepens. Periods court docket trials drag on for over a yr, virtually at all times ending in a demise sentence, particularly if the accusation entails alleged disrespect towards the Prophet of Islam.
Appeals within the Excessive Court docket can take greater than two years simply to be scheduled, and infrequently one other two years for a remaining choice. Even then, lower than 5% are granted bail or acquitted. If the attraction is rejected, the accused should endure one other two to 3 years of struggling and uncertainty whereas the Supreme Court docket decides their destiny. This countless authorized limbo—marked by concern, isolation, and hopelessness—destroys households and lives.
For this reason we firmly consider that anybody accused of blasphemy in Pakistan have to be helped to go away 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 underneath 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 acquire. False blasphemy accusations are usually not only a authorized matter — they’re a matter of life and demise.
