Fanson Shahid was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2024 under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws following allegations linked to social media activity that his family strongly denies.
His wife and children say the prolonged imprisonment and delayed appeal process have left them emotionally traumatised and struggling financially.
The British Asian Christian Association has been asked to provide urgent legal and financial assistance to help defend the family and pursue justice.
BACA now plans to file an application for suspension of sentence while Fanson Shahid awaits a hearing before the Lahore High Court.
Arrest Following Social Media Allegations
On 18th March 2022, officials from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) raided Fanson Shahid’s home in Lahore during the night and arrested him in front of his family.
The allegations stemmed from a complaint submitted by Allama Sahibzada Waseem Raza, a cleric associated with Jamaat-Ahl-Sunnit in Jhamkay Cheema, after claims emerged that sacrilegious comments had been posted from a Facebook account linked to Fanson Shahid.
The case was initially connected to another Christian man, Suleman Masih, who allegedly shared images relating to suicide bombings in Sri Lanka. Because Shahid appeared on social media as a friend of Masih, investigators alleged that a comment insulting the Prophet Muhammad had been posted from Shahid’s account.
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered under several serious sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). (Read more here)
Allegations of Forced Confession
According to family testimony and legal representatives, Fanson Shahid was subjected to physical abuse during the investigation and pressured into confessing to the alleged crime.
During trial proceedings, Shahid later retracted the confession before the court, stating that he had been coerced and physically mistreated by investigators. He also explained that the mobile phone allegedly connected to the offence had been lost in 2019 — years before the incident in question.
Despite these claims, the Gujranwala Sessions Court convicted him on 24th January 2024.
The court sentenced him to:
- Life imprisonment under Section 295-A
- Additional prison terms under Sections 295-A and 153-A of the Pakistan Penal Code
- Three years imprisonment under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act
- Financial penalties totalling Rs.150,000
A Family Left Broken
Today, Fanson Shahid remains imprisoned in Sahiwal Jail while awaiting the hearing of his appeal before the Lahore High Court.
More than two years after the conviction, the appeal has still not been scheduled for hearing.
His wife, Safia Shahid, told BACA that the delay has devastated the family emotionally and financially. Living in rented accommodation with their son Ahsan and daughter Seemab, the family struggles daily with uncertainty and emotional trauma.
Safia shared:
“My children are broken in the absence of their father and we miss him a lot.”
She also explained the impact on their son:
“Due to his absent mindedness he loses his employment if he finds anywhere.”
Their son, Ahsan Shahid, travels monthly to Sahiwal Jail to visit his father. According to Ahsan, his father spends much of his time praying and holding onto hope that he will one day reunite with his family.
BACA Preparing Legal Intervention
In response to the family’s appeal, BACA is preparing to assist with both legal representation and financial aid.
As an immediate step, BACA plans to file an application for suspension of sentence in an effort to protect Fanson Shahid from prolonged imprisonment while his appeal remains pending before the High Court.
The case once again highlights growing concerns regarding the misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which have frequently been criticised by international human rights organisations for enabling false accusations, mob intimidation, and miscarriages of justice against religious minorities.
Juliet Chowdhry, trustee of BACA, said:
“Behind every blasphemy accusation is a family whose entire life is torn apart. Fanson Shahid’s wife and children have suffered enormously through years of uncertainty, fear, and separation. At BACA, we are committed to standing beside families facing persecution and injustice. We hope to provide Fanson Shahid’s family with both legal support and the practical assistance they urgently need during this difficult period.”
Help Support Fanson Shahid’s Family
The family of Fanson Shahid continues to endure immense emotional and financial hardship following his imprisonment under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. With the family’s sole breadwinner behind bars and the appeal process still delayed, his wife and children are struggling to survive while holding onto hope for justice.
Your donation to the British Asian Christian Association can help provide urgent legal representation, prison visitation support, essential household assistance, and ongoing care for the family during this deeply difficult period.
The cost of securing a legal advocate is estimated at £2,000. To help support the family financially, we aim to raise £100 per month to partially replace the lost income of Fanson Shahid, a government railway worker who earned approximately £300 per month.
In addition, prison and court visits are expected to cost around £700 per year.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference to the family during this challenging time.
Every gift, no matter the size, can help bring relief, dignity, and hope to a family facing uncertainty and suffering.
