Blasphemy Charges for Alleged Facebook Post

Fansan Shahid
Fansan Shahid
Photo: Morning Star News

Fansan Shahid, a 54-year-old Christian from Gujranwala in Punjab Province, is in federal custody with charges predicated on a blasphemous comment he allegedly made in a Facebook post during 2019. Fansan was arrested just after midnight on March 16th when more than a dozen police officers stormed into his house and began beating him before taking him into custody.

According to his wife Safia, Fansan lost his phone in 2019 but hadn't reported it missing. They believe someone found the phone and used it to post the comment, since there was no password protection applied to the device and his Facebook account automatically logged in.

Safia insists that Fansan would never have committed the crime, since he was well aware of the consequences. In fact, he regularly warned his two adult children against discussing religion with any opposing Muslims because of potential problems.

The family is concerned about what may become a lengthy court process, since Fansan has multiple health issues. There are also concerns about the family's financial situation since he was the sole wage earner and charges like this can jeopardize any retirement fund. Additionally, there are fears about how the family's landlord and Muslim neighbours may react when they find out the nature of the charges against Fansan.

Accusations of blasphemy are an ongoing problem in Pakistan. Such claims are often used for personal advantage or to express religious hatred. The results are frequently demonstrated in mob violence against the accused and their family members. For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Prayerfully remember Fansan, Safia and their children as they contend with the charges, as well as the resulting imprisonment and other legalities that have been forced upon them. May this family receive greatly needed protection, provision and encouragement throughout the legal ordeal. Ask the Lord to especially strengthen Fansan during his time in prison, granting him opportunities to share his faith with spiritually seeking inmates. Pray that neighbours and other community members will be understanding and compassionate towards the family's situation. Furthermore, may the Lord bring fellow Christians into their lives who will further encourage, comfort and uplift their downcast souls as they wait for His justice and vindication to be upheld (2 Corinthians 1:4).

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.