Pakistan: A Catholic Dies in Custody, Victim of Blasphemy Laws

A Pakistani Catholic accused of blasphemy has just died in custody. One case among hundreds—revealing a judicial system that crushes Christian minorities.

The Fact

CNA/EWTN reports that a Pakistani Catholic accused of blasphemy has died in custody. His identity has not yet been disclosed by the authorities. He is part of a long list of Christians prosecuted, imprisoned, or killed under Articles 295-B and 295-C of the Pakistani Penal Code, which punish blasphemy against Islam with penalties up to death.

Our Perspective

Pakistan is among the countries where the persecution of Christians is most systemic. Open Doors regularly ranks it in the top 10 of its World Watch List. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and Open Doors annually remind that blasphemy laws are instrumentalized to settle personal conflicts, seize property, or persecute minorities. Death in custody—even before any trial—is a form of extrajudicial execution that Pakistani authorities refuse to acknowledge as such.

We had followed the case of the blind Catholic acquitted after years of accusation (#828). This new case underscores that acquittal remains the exception: for many, detention alone is enough to shatter a life, or even take it. Dozens of Pakistani Christians are currently behind bars under similar accusations, awaiting trials that can last for years.

To Ponder

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 5:10). Naming these deaths, counting them, praying for them: this is the least we owe our Pakistani brothers and sisters. Support ACN (acnuk.org) and Open Doors (opendoors.org).