Christian Man with Mental Disability Booked Under Blasphemy and Anti-Terrorism Act in Pakistan


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.