Farhan Masih, a mentally disabled Christian man, has been charged with blasphemy and terrorism-related offences in Sahiwal, Pakistan. The First Information Report (FIR) incriminating him 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 filed by complainant Muhammad Bilal Khan, on 26 January, Farhan Masih allegedly made derogatory remarks against Islam before fleeing the scene. The complaint further states that after informing other Muslim residents in the area, anger spread among the community, leading to immediate demands for Farhan’s arrest.
Human rights defenders strongly condemn this arrest, citing Farhan’s mental health condition and the frequent misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, stated, “Farhan Masih is mentally ill and incapable of understanding the implications of his words or actions. His arrest under these charges is a grave injustice and highlights the increasing misuse of blasphemy laws against marginalised communities.” He further emphasised that several false blasphemy accusations have occurred in Sahiwal, including the case of Ehsan Shaan, another Christian falsely accused under these laws.
Human rights organisations call for urgent reforms in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which continue to be misused for personal vendettas, land disputes and religious discrimination. The case of Farhan Masih is particularly concerning, as his mental disability should exempt him from criminal liability under international human rights standards.
The Christian community in Sahiwal is now living in fear, as mob violence remains a serious threat.
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