Christian Leaders in Pakistan Strongly Condemn Blasphemy Verdict Against Young Christian
In a time of increasing persecution against religious minorities in Pakistan, Christian leaders have come together to denounce the recent death sentence handed down to a young Christian man in Punjab for alleged blasphemy.
The Catholic Bishops of Pakistan have raised their voices in protest against the verdict, which they deemed an abuse of law targeting religious minorities. Mr. Ahsan Raja Masih, a 22-year-old brick kiln worker, was found guilty by the Sahiwal Anti-Terrorism Court for sharing an image of a damaged Quran on social media that supposedly offended Muslim sentiments and promoted religious hatred.
Unjust Verdict Sparks Outrage
The image shared by Mr. Ahsan led to an anti-Christian riot in Jaranwala, where more than 25 churches and over 80 Christian homes were vandalized. Despite blasphemy being a capital crime in Pakistan since 1981, no one has been executed by the government for it. However, mobs frequently take the law into their own hands and unjustly target religious minorities based on false accusations.
The death sentence handed to Mr. Ahsan has triggered widespread protests and condemnation from Christian leaders in Pakistan. Bishop Joseph Arshad and Bishop Indrias Rehmat have both spoken out against the verdict, labeling it as a travesty of justice.
Appeal for International Support
In an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Samson Shukardin called on the international community to advocate for justice in Mr. Ahsan’s case. Father Khalid Rashid highlighted the unfair targeting of Mr. Ahsan, who comes from a poor background and lacks education.
Pleas for Fair Investigation
Mr. Ahsan’s lawyer, Khurram Shahzad, pointed out the loopholes in the investigation and raised concerns over the persecution of marginalized minorities. The unjust verdict comes amidst a rise in attacks against Christians and other religious groups in Pakistan, with false blasphemy accusations leading to violence and discrimination.
Call for Equality in Justice
Bishop Shukardin emphasized the need for equal justice, citing the lack of convictions in cases involving attacks on Christians in Sargodha and Jaranwala. The disparity in treatment between religious minorities and the perpetrators of violence has highlighted deep-rooted issues in Pakistan’s legal system.
Despite these challenges, the Christian community in Pakistan continues to speak out against injustice and discrimination, hoping for a future where all citizens are treated equally under the law.
