Listeners:
Top listeners:
-
play_arrow
Christian Man Detained Over Blasphemy Accusations In Pakistan
by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
LAHORE, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – A young Christian has been detained in Pakistan’s second-largest city after he was reported to local police over alleged “blasphemous” remarks about Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, which could carry the death penalty in the Muslim-majority nation.
A police document obtained by Worthy News referred to a perceived “serious” incident in Lahore where Christian Amir Masih, a resident of the city’s Nishat Colony, was accused of blasphemy.
The complaint was filed by a Muslim man, Sanwar Ali, “at Cantt Police Station, Lahore District, under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code,” the document said.
“This section relates to allegations of insulting the Prophet Muhammad and carries the most severe punishment under the law. The situation has sparked growing concern within the local Christian community and rights advocates,” added Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of Christian advocacy group LEAD Ministries Pakistan. “He had fled the scene Saturday after an argument in a shop, but later police raided his home and arrested him. Amir is now in custody,” Gill told Worthy News on Sunday.
Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD, explained to Worthy News, “We have not yet received the version or perspective of the accused. Therefore, we can only appeal to the authorities for a thorough and impartial investigation. These days, there are growing concerns that some individuals are misusing such allegations as a means of blackmail and personal gain.”
Gill told Worthy News that his group has urged authorities “that the matter be looked into sincerely and without any undue influence,” sentiments likely shared by the accused father, Peter Joseph.
LONG WORK
LEAD Ministries “long worked to highlight issues faced by Pakistan’s Christian community and continues to follow this case closely. The organization is appealing for calm, transparency, and justice,” added Gill, who himself was forced to flee with his family after receiving death threats for his Christian faith and advocacy work.
Christians said no further details were immediately available as the case remains under investigation.
However, the latest incident comes just days after one of Pakistan’s most influential courts, the Islamabad High Court, ruled that a judicial commission will investigate the “abuse of blasphemy legislation” in a historic move that could impact minority Christians.
“The Islamabad High Court has taken a bold and historic step in safeguarding justice and human dignity by ordering the formation of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, particularly Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code,” said Farooq Bashir, general secretary of the Christian Lawyers Alliance Pakistan.
Hundreds of people, many of them Christians, have suffered on controversial charges of blasphemy against Islam, with many languishing for years in prison without a fair trial, according to rights activists.
Pakistan ranks eighth on the annual World Watch List of 50 countries where advocacy group Open Doors says Christians suffer most for their faith in Christ.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
President Donald Trump signed the temporary peace deal with Iran ahead of schedule Wednesday at the Palace of Versailles in France, kicking off negotiations over a final nuclear deal.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s statement following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the United States is being viewed by analysts not as an embrace of peace, but as a carefully crafted declaration that preserves Tehran’s revolutionary posture while allowing the regime to regroup.
The United States imposed new sanctions Thursday on individuals and entities linked to Hezbollah, accusing them of using political and financial influence to obstruct Lebanon’s peace process and delay the Iran-backed group’s disarmament.
Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since the war began, hitting a key oil refinery and other targets around the Russian capital, leaving at least one person dead and numerous others injured, Russian officials said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan this week as Moscow moved to deepen ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and promote its vision of a “multipolar world order” aimed at countering U.S. global dominance.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and will maintain a security zone there for as long as Israel’s defense needs require, placing Jerusalem at odds with both Tehran and the terms of a U.S.-Iran memorandum that calls for an end to hostilities in Lebanon.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO leaders Thursday that the Pentagon is launching a six-month review of U.S. force posture and basing in Europe, signaling a major push by the Trump administration to ensure European allies assume primary responsibility for defending the continent.
WHO WE ARE
The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.
CONTACT
- +1 908 280-4246
- Essex County, USA
- info@tnjrfm.com