Islamabad, 18th September 2024 – Shagufta Kiran, a 40-year-old Christian woman and mother of four, has been sentenced to death under Pakistan’s blasphemy law. The decision was handed down by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka in a special court operating under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in Islamabad. Alongside the death penalty under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, Shagufta was also sentenced to seven years in prison under Section 11 of the PECA Act and fined Rs. 100,000.
The legal process, which has lasted over three years, concluded with Shagufta’s conviction under both Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Her lawyer, Rana Abdul Hameed, has announced plans to appeal the verdict, calling it biased and unjust. “The person who originally wrote the incriminating message is still free, while the one who merely shared it without endorsing it is condemned,” said Hameed. There is growing concern that Shagufta was specifically targeted due to her Christian faith, making her vulnerable to the blasphemy accusations.
Shagufta was arrested on July 29, 2021, after a raid by armed officers of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at her residence in Rawalpindi. She was accused of forwarding a blasphemous message on WhatsApp in a group chat, unaware of the message’s content. Her husband, Rafique Masih, revealed that their two sons were briefly detained during the raid but later released. Since her arrest, the family has faced continuous threats and violence, forcing them to flee their home and live in hiding, disrupting their children’s education and lives.
Shagufta has denied authoring the blasphemous content, asserting that she unknowingly forwarded the message without reading it. Advocate Hameed, announced plans to appeal the decision to the Islamabad High Court within 30 days, expressing shock at the unexpected verdict. “We are awaiting a copy of the judgment and will file an appeal as soon as possible,” said Hameed.
The judgment has sparked renewed international concern over Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which are often criticized for their misuse, particularly against religious minorities like Christians. Shagufta is a mother of four children, and her case has drawn attention to the persecution faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. Blasphemy laws in the country are often criticized for being misused to settle personal scores or target marginalized groups. Shagufta’s case is emblematic of this ongoing issue. Her case exemplifies the vulnerability of such communities, who are frequently targeted under these laws. Despite widespread calls for reform, Pakistan continues to impose the death penalty for blasphemy-related offences.
Pakistan has increased its focus on monitoring online blasphemy offences, with Islamic organizations pushing for severe punishments. The FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing has been tasked with identifying and reporting content deemed blasphemous, which often leads to swift legal action. Critics argue that these measures are disproportionately enforced against religious minorities, particularly Christians, who remain vulnerable under the existing laws.
Shagufta remains detained in Central Adyala Jail, Rawalpindi, while her family struggles to find safety amidst constant threats. Her husband has described their living conditions as dire, with the family moving from place to place and their children’s education severely disrupted due to the ongoing persecution.
This case is expected to draw further international scrutiny as human rights groups and advocates continue to challenge the legality and fairness of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
The British Asian Christian Association is currently providing safe housing for three vulnerable families and an individual on bail, accused of blasphemy. Delays in securing permanent accommodation often leave them at significant risk. To address this, we are seeking to purchase a permanent safe house at a cost of £15,000. To date, we have raised £9,000 and now need your support to raise the final £6,000. Your contribution will help ensure their safety and stability. To donate, please click (here).
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, condemned the conviction, stating:
“Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are routinely exploited to persecute vulnerable minorities and settle personal vendettas. Shagufta Kiran’s case is a tragic reminder of how easily these laws can be weaponized to destroy innocent lives. Christian families like hers are often forced to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs, leaving behind everything they’ve worked for and facing relentless threats of violence. These families remain in constant danger as they struggle to find a safe haven, with delays in resettlement leaving them exposed to attacks.
“The entire Christian community is placed at risk when individuals are falsely accused. In many cases, entire neighborhoods are targeted in retribution. The fear that grips these communities is indescribable—families live in terror, knowing that one accusation could lead to the loss of their homes, their livelihoods, and even their lives. Pakistan must urgently address the misuse of its blasphemy laws if it hopes to protect its most vulnerable citizens.”
