Social Media Post Leads to Blasphemy Charges
July 4, 2023, In Village 49 NB, District Sargodha, Pakistan, Christians are a minority and face different types of threats and discrimination. But sometimes the suffering is caused by certain sections within the Christian community. Often the interpretation of Bible verses on certain issues, without reference to context, shared the with common people by self-appointed religious authorities, makes other communities feel insulted and they retaliate. Social cohesion and interfaith harmony are affected and sometimes become a serious issue, when blasphemy laws are also involved.
Chak 49 NB is a big village with a considerable Christian population and churches of different denominations. Haroon Shehzad, a resident of this village, son of a local pastor and father of two daughters and two sons, posted verses from 1 Corinthians 10 about sacrifices to idols and feasts. Although it was just a copy paste without any personal comments about the Biblical reference, it created anger among Muslims, as it was their festival of slaughtering animals in remembrance of Abraham’s ritual of slaughtering a lamb.
Muhammad Imran, son of Munawar Hussain, a Muslim resident of the village, registered a case against Haroon Shehzad, accusing him of showing disrespect to a religious festival of Muslims, hence committing blasphemy. As per First Investigation Report (FIR), the clause applied is 295 A. According to the blasphemy laws, the punishment is up to ten years imprisonment, or a fine, or both.
Punishment of Blasphemy laws 295-A – Pakistan Penal Code
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Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs. 1927 |
Up to 10 years imprisonment, or fine, or both |
Current Situation
The case was registered on Friday 30th June 2023. Announcements were made in mosques and a mob gathered in the village shouting slogans against the Christians. Most of the Christians left their homes due to fear. A heavy contingent of police was also called on the spot which prevented any violent incident. Haroon Shehzad had already escaped the locality along with his family, but the police arrested two of his sisters-in-law with their feeding babies. Social and political leaders of the area unsuccessfully tried to persuade police to release the arrested ladies.
Many Christians are still away from their homes, fearing the wrath of the mob if they return. The accused, Haroon Shehzad, has secured pre-arrest bail. The security situation is very tense and the local church leaders are very much concerned for security, especially during church gatherings.
Please pray.