Christian Man Sentenced to Death in Pakistan for Blasphemy

jaranwala - Christian man convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan for desecrating the Quran. Christian community faces pressure. Death penalty for blasphemy in Pakistan.

Christian Man Sentenced to Death in Pakistan

A 36-year-old Christian man was convicted of blasphemy towards Islam in Jaranwala, Pakistan, for desecrating the Quran, according to Reuters.

The man's lawyer, Akmal Bhatti, stated they will appeal to the Supreme Court. Pakistan abolished executions in 2019, although blasphemy carries a death penalty.

Approximately 1 to 2 percent of Pakistan's population is Christian, facing ongoing pressure.

Unrest and Arrests in Response

• Violent reactions followed the verdict, with Muslims attacking a Christian neighborhood in 2023, resulting in arson and displacement of thousands.
• Authorities arrested over a hundred attackers, but many were reportedly not prosecuted, as per Amnesty International.

Over six thousand prisoners await execution for various offenses in Pakistan.