Lahore :

A human rights group in Pakistan has stressed the importance of fair trials in the wake of the acquittal of Younis Masih, a Christian accused of blasphemy. The Center for Legal Aid, Assistance, and Settlement (CLAAS) highlighted the risks posed by false accusations.

Social and religious tensions in Pakistan's Punjab province, notably in the Faisalabad region, have eased following the release of Masih, who had been arrested on blasphemy charges filed by Susan Fatima.  He was recently acquitted and released from police custody. Fatima accused him of breaking into her home, assaulting her, and insulting the Quran, with her family's recent conversion to Islam adding a layer of complexity to the situation.

Masih voluntarily cooperated with the authorities, presenting himself to clarify the incident. Local Christians rallied behind him, asserting his innocence and condemning the allegations as baseless. Subsequently, Fatima was also apprehended, prompting further investigation into the matter. CLAAS said this development underscores the necessity of conducting thorough investigations to establish truth and accountability in cases involving blasphemy accusations.

In Faisalabad, lawyer Aneeqa Maria Anthony, representing Masih's family, praised the positive handling of the case, which has helped rebuild trust within the Christian community in the authorities' commitment to justice and the protection of individual rights regardless of religious affiliation.

Pastor Shakoor Alam of Jaranwala suggested that the incident might be rooted in a land dispute, with the blasphemy charge potentially exploited as a tactic. He emphasized the police's duty to uncover the truth and prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws in personal disputes. Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS, highlighted the broader issue of blasphemy law abuse in Pakistan, commending the police for their discernment in investigating the matter and securing Masih's release while apprehending Fatima.

However, Saeed cautioned against the prevalence of such cases, warning of the dire consequences of leaving them unaddressed, citing the collective attack in Jaranwala last year fueled by similar blasphemy allegations. Looking ahead, Saeed emphasized the incoming Pakistani government's responsibility to enact legal reforms to prevent further injustices and uphold the rights of all citizens. Under the Pakistan Penal Code, blasphemy offenses carry severe penalties, including death or life imprisonment, as outlined in Articles 295-a, 295-b, and 295-c collectively known as the ‘Blasphemy Law,’ specifically targeting insults to Islam.