- Christian sanitation worker falsely accused under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and imprisoned for over 3 years could receive the death penalty; ADF International supports his defence
- Case highlights growing concern over organized groups trapping innocent people through fabricated blasphemy accusations
Ishtiaq Saleem, a 34-year-old Christian sanitation worker and father from Islamabad, Pakistan, faces the possibility of a death penalty verdict in a blasphemy case that he and his supporters claim is fabricated. Arrested on November 29, 2022, Saleem has been imprisoned for over three years after authorities accused him of downloading and sharing blasphemous material on social media—allegations he firmly denies. He faces serious charges under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws, including Sections 295-A, 295-B, and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (for outraging religious feelings, desecrating the Quran, and insulting the Prophet Muhammad, the latter carrying a potential death sentence), as well as Section 298-A and provisions under the 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act related to inciting interfaith hatred.
The trial before a special court in Islamabad has reached a critical point, with hearings on Saleem’s charges concluded, though proceedings continue for his co-accused, Muhammad Umair; a verdict is expected once those conclude. All of Saleem’s bail applications have been rejected by lower courts and the Supreme Court, which also directed the trial to proceed expeditiously. The U.S.-based legal advocacy group ADF International, supporting his defense through local lawyers, asserts that the accusations stem from an organized network known as the “Blasphemy Business Group,” allegedly led by the lead prosecutor in the case, Rao Abdur Rahim. This group purportedly fabricates blasphemy claims to extort and blackmail victims, often in coordination with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency’s cybercrime unit.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have long been criticized for their severity and misuse, particularly against religious minorities. According to data from the Centre for Social Justice, nearly 1,950 blasphemy cases were registered between 1987 and 2021, affecting Muslims, Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus, and others, with at least 84 accused individuals extrajudicially killed before trials concluded. Pakistan’s National Commission on Human Rights has documented over 450 cases involving fabricated accusations in similar entrapment schemes, highlighting the ongoing risks and pressures faced by minorities in such proceedings.
