Pakistan

Pakistani Christian Men ‘Falsely’ Accused of Blasphemy

Two young Pakistani Christians have been accused of blasphemy, resulting in threats by local Muslims to burn them alive.

The two men, Nasir (aged 20) and Hanif (aged 24) -- known to be best friends in the town of Rahwali, a suburb of Gujranwala -- were implicated in a what is alleged to be a false case of blasphemy under article 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, according to a report from CLASS (Center for Legal Aid Assistance Settlement).

Rev Sharif Allam, a local pastor serving in the Church of Pakistan in Gakhar, about 75 kilometers (an estimated 46 miles) from Lahore, and Mr. Joseph Francis, National Director of CLAAS, told that both men have been “falsely implicated” in the blasphemy case and have “fled the area in fear of their lives.”

Rev Allam, who helps the Christian community in social, economic, political and legal affairs, said the matter is a “very sensitive issue in the area” and that the Muslim community was “ready to attack local Christians and burn them alive.”

According to Rev. Allam, there are only 30 Christian families living in Rahwali, among more than 300 Muslim residents. Most Christians there are “poor and illiterate and are used to doing manual labor to meet the needs of their families.”