Lahore, November 13, 2024 — A blasphemy case has been registered against Zafar Iqbal, a Christian man reportedly suffering from mental illness, and he has been sent to jail. The complaint was filed by Qari Mujahid Abbas, the Imam of Noorani Mosque in Kahna Nau, Ferozepur Road, Lahore. The case has ignited tensions in the area and raised concerns about the safety of local Christian families, leading to calls for a medical evaluation to assess the accused's mental condition.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on November 2, 2024, around 1:40 PM. Abbas had just concluded the Zuhr prayer when two local men, Amjad Asif and Shahzad Zulfiqar, approached him to report that Zafar Iqbal, known as “Chhapa,” was burning something in his courtyard. They suspected that the burnt material included pages of the Holy Quran.

Responding to the report, Abbas, along with a group of worshippers, went to Iqbal’s residence. They discovered a fire in progress and, using a stick, separated the burning material, allegedly finding pages of the Quran among the flames. Iqbal was apprehended on the spot, and a call was made to the police helpline (15). Officers arrived promptly, taking Iqbal and the burnt material into custody. “The actions of Zafar Iqbal have deeply wounded the sentiments of Muslims, and he should face the appropriate legal consequences,” Abbas stated in his complaint.

Following the incident, the atmosphere in Ward No. 12 of Kahna Nau grew tense, with reports on social media amplifying fears of mob violence. Many Christian families locked their homes and temporarily fled to safer locations, fearing potential attacks. However, police authorities quickly intervened to calm the situation. Their efforts, combined with cooperation from Iqbal’s family and Christian neighbours, helped prevent any violent backlash. No harm was caused to properties or individuals, and Christian families began returning to their homes once the immediate threat subsided.

Iqbal has been charged under Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries a potential life sentence for desecration of the Quran. However, legal experts have raised concerns over Iqbal’s reported mental illness. A prominent Christian lawyer stated, “If reports of Iqbal’s mental illness are accurate, he may not be fit to stand trial or face punishment under the law. A medical board should be convened to evaluate his mental fitness, and if found to be of unsound mind, he should be exempted from criminal liability.”

As police investigations continue, authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to maintaining order and ensuring justice is served while respecting the legal rights of all involved. This case highlights the delicate balance between addressing community sensitivities and upholding the legal protections for mentally ill individuals.