Sahiwal, January 27, 2025 — On January 26, 2025, a mentally
handicapped Christian man, Farhan Masih, was charged with blasphemy and
terrorism-related offenses in Chak No. 134/9L, Sahiwal. The First Information
Report (FIR) was registered at Ghala Mandi Police Station under Sections 295A
and 298A-TP of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with Section 7 of the
Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.
According to the FIR, the complainant, Muhammad Bilal Khan,
alleged that on January 26, 2025, at 2:30 PM, he was walking towards his fields
for irrigation when he encountered Tasleem Khan. While the two were engaged in
conversation, Farhan Masih, son of Javaid Masih, arrived at the scene. The
complainant states that Farhan allegedly spoke derogatory words against Islam
and then fled the scene. He further claimed that both he and Tasleem Khan
attempted to pursue him, but Farhan disappeared before they could apprehend him.
The complainant went on to say that upon informing other
Muslim residents of the village, they collectively expressed that their
religious sentiments had been hurt. This led to demands for the immediate
arrest of Farhan Masih, which resulted in the registration of the blasphemy and
terrorism charges.
Legal experts and human rights activists have strongly
condemned the hasty registration of the case without substantial evidence,
particularly against a mentally disabled individual. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws
have long been criticized for their arbitrary use, with accusations often
leading to mob violence, wrongful arrests, and prolonged detentions.
Chak No. 134, the village where the incident took place, has
seen recurring incidents of religious tensions, with law enforcement struggling
to maintain order and protect minorities. The area has witnessed several cases
in which false accusations of blasphemy have been used to target marginalized
communities, particularly Christians and other religious minorities.
Human rights organizations have frequently called for
reforms in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, citing numerous instances where the
legislation has been weaponized for personal grudges, land disputes, and
religious intolerance. The case of Farhan Masih is particularly concerning, as his
mental disability raises serious questions about his ability to understand or
commit the alleged offense.
Pakistan has a long history of blasphemy laws being misused
against religious minorities. Cases such as Asia Bibi, Shagufta Kausar, and Shafqat
Emmanuel have demonstrated how false accusations can result in wrongful
convictions, death threats, and years of suffering for victims and their
families.
The Christian community in Sahiwal and human rights
activists have urged the government to ensure a fair and transparent
investigation into the case of Farhan Masih. They have also demanded immediate
legal protection for him, fearing mob violence or extrajudicial actions.
As the case unfolds, Pakistan's blasphemy laws once again
come under scrutiny, with growing concerns over their continued exploitation
and the dire consequences for those falsely accused. The international
community is also likely to take notice, as calls for judicial reform and
better protection of religious minorities in Pakistan continue to grow.