ASIA/PAKISTAN - A Christian arrested for blasphemy on social media; the Committee for Peace: "No one would do it intentionally"

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – “No Christian in Pakistan, fully aware of the devastating consequences, would intentionally publish or write anything that could be perceived as blasphemous against Islam,” says Father Lazar Aslam OFM Cap, a member of the “Pakistan Committee for Peace,” which brings together Christian and Muslim leaders. The Committee has learned of the recent case of Asher Bhatti, a Christian resident of the Nishter neighborhood of Lahore, accused of blasphemy for posting allegedly offensive content on Facebook and detained by the police. “As has often happened in other cases, Bhatti’s life is now in danger, even before the start of the judicial process, as he could be attacked or lynched,” warns the friar.
The alleged incident dates back to September 14, 2025, and the complaint was filed on September 16. The complainant, Muhammad Umair, a resident of the same neighborhood, claimed to have seen several Facebook posts under the username "Asher Bhatti" containing blasphemous sketches, derogatory material, videos, and comments insulting the Prophet Muhammad. According to the complainant, these posts caused public outrage and aroused religious sentiments, generating fear and anger among the local Muslim population. The complainant sought immediate legal action under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (Blasphemy Law) against Bhatti and another Christian, believed to be an accomplice, on charges of alleged blasphemy, insulting religious sentiment, and spreading hatred. The police initiated legal proceedings and arrested Bhatti, who pleads not guilty and claims he was entrapped.
The Blasphemy Law continues to be misused for personal vendettas, Father Aslam emphasizes. “As members of the Committee for Peace, we join together in prayer and solidarity, asking the Lord to protect Asher Bhatti and grant him justice, so that he does not become another victim of hatred and injustice. We will continue to raise our voices because faith should never be a reason for imprisonment or death,” says Fr. Aslam.
In recent days, members of the Committee for Peace, including Mufti Ashiq Hussain, Pastor Asif Ashan Khokhar, and Father Lazar Aslam OFM Cap, have met to seek solutions to the case. “For the sake of our beloved country, we remain steadfast and united, as we continue to work for a more just and tolerant society, where the values of peace and respect for all are respected,” they conclude. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/7/2025)

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