LAHORE, 20 July 2025 — A Christian man has been arrested in Lahore under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, following what local rights groups allege is a fabricated accusation stemming from a neighbourhood dispute—not a religious offence.

Aamir Masih, a retired government education worker and father of two, was taken into custody by South Cantonment police after Sanwar Ali, a Muslim shopkeeper in Nishat Colony, lodged a complaint accusing Masih of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The FIR was registered under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, a section that carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment or death.

The complainant alleges that Masih made the remarks during a discussion in his shop about the country’s current political and economic challenges. According to the FIR, Masih fled the scene when confronted.

However, local residents and human rights defenders have strongly contested the allegations, saying the charge is being misused to settle a personal grudge related to a drainage dispute.
“I have spoken with residents of Nishat Colony who confirmed that the real conflict was about rainwater from Aamir Masih’s house flowing into the complainant’s shop,” said Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK (Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement), which provides legal support to persecuted minorities in Pakistan. “It is deeply concerning that such a minor domestic dispute could result in a blasphemy accusation that puts an innocent man’s life at risk.”

Eyewitnesses say tensions between the two neighbours had been simmering for years and escalated the day before the FIR was filed. Several residents submitted sworn statements to ASP Sherbano Naqvi of the Defence Circle, stating unequivocally that there was no religious conversation during the incident.

Masih, according to people close to the family, is also undergoing treatment for mental health issues, with medical documentation already shared with police investigators.

“When a mentally unwell Christian man is charged with blasphemy without clear evidence, it underlines just how exposed religious minorities are under our legal system,” said Saeed. “He should be provided medical care, and the charges should be dropped immediately.”

The arrest comes amid growing concerns about the misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, especially against Christians, who make up only 1.6 percent of the population but are disproportionately accused.

Data published by local news outlets and legal watchdog groups shows a dramatic rise in such cases. According to a 2025 report by The Express Tribune, over 450 individuals were charged under blasphemy laws in Punjab alone during the past year—many of them on questionable grounds involving personal disputes, property conflicts, or vendettas.

In response, the Islamabad High Court has initiated a series of hearings to examine the systemic misuse of blasphemy legislation and has ordered the formation of a judicial commission to review recent cases, identify patterns of abuse, and propose safeguards. The commission is expected to recommend tougher penalties for false accusers and protections for mentally ill defendants.
Legal experts note that genuine blasphemy involves deliberate intent, and it is implausible that vulnerable minorities—especially Christians—would knowingly provoke such charges.

“No rational Christian in Pakistan would casually insult Islam, knowing the consequences,” said a Lahore-based legal scholar. “These laws are often used as tools of intimidation rather than actual justice.”

Despite calls for reform, critics argue that law enforcement agencies continue to respond reactively to accusations, often arresting the accused without thorough investigation.

“This is a test case,” said Saeed. “Pakistan must decide whether it stands for justice and rule of law or allows its blasphemy laws to be used as weapons of oppression. Aamir Masih’s life depends on that answer.”

As of the latest update, Masih remains in custody, and his family, supported by legal advocates, is urging authorities to conduct an impartial and transparent review of the case.