Lahore: Christians in Pakistan continue to face grave persecution as false blasphemy charges disrupt lives and delay justice. Victims and their families are speaking out against the systemic misuse of the blasphemy law, which they say has become a tool for targeting minorities.
One such case is that of Asif Pervaiz, a 42-year-old Christian who has spent over a decade behind bars and was sentenced to death in 2020 over a fabricated accusation. His family recently told Agenzia Fides, a pontifical news agency, that Asif’s appeal originally scheduled for April was mysteriously cancelled. His brother, Wasim Pervaiz, noted that due to ongoing threats, the family had to relocate for their safety.
Asif’s story is not an isolated one. Numerous Christians across Pakistan remain entangled in prolonged legal battles stemming from baseless charges. On July 8, 2023, courts acquitted two Christian teenagers, Adil Babar (18) and Simon Nadeem (14), who had been falsely accused. Similarly, in June, the Supreme Court ordered the release of Anwar Kenneth, a Catholic man who endured 23 years in prison.
These harrowing cases highlight the human toll of a law that has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights advocates. According to the 2025 World Watch List published by Open Doors, Pakistan ranks as the 8th most dangerous country for Christians globally.
Despite the challenges, the cry for reform grows louder as victims and their supporters continue to demand justice, transparency, and protection for religious minorities across the nation.