Karachi

Protests erupted in Pakistan following the sentencing of Christian youth Ehsan Shah to death on blasphemy charges, with demonstrators from the Christian community, Minority Rights March, Aurat March, and civil society denouncing what they called the wrongful application of blasphemy laws, as reported by source. The rally outside Karachi Press Club demanded Shah’s release and justice for the arson attacks on churches and homes in Jaranwala.

Last year, an anti-terrorism court convicted Shah for allegedly sharing a social media post that reportedly incited riots in Jaranwala. Judge Ziaullah Khan imposed a severe penalty, including a 22-year prison term and a PKR 1 million fine, amid accusations of Quran desecration that triggered widespread violence, damaging homes and churches of the Christian community.

The incident rekindled memories of past violence, such as the mob attack on Christians in Jaranwala. Blasphemy allegations in Pakistan are deeply divisive and often provoke deadly responses, fueled by false accusations used for personal vendettas or to target religious minorities like Christians and Ahmadi Muslims.

Human rights groups, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), have documented numerous cases of baseless blasphemy charges resulting in violence and fatalities. Despite international and domestic calls for reform, Pakistan’s blasphemy laws remain contentious, lacking adequate safeguards for the accused and inviting criticism for their misuse.