Christian Sentenced to Life in Prison for Alleged Blasphemy

Fansan Shahid
Fansan Shahid
Photo: Morning Star News

On March 18th, 2022, Fansan Shahid was taken from his home in Lahore and charged with blasphemy. The charges arose after the Christian man purportedly commented on photos of suicide bombings that occurred in Sri Lanka. As the attackers appeared to be Muslims, his accuser alleged that Fansan's social media comment insulted the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

During interrogation, Fansan was coerced into confessing – something he later retracted during his trial. He further stated that the phone he used to make the comment has been lost since 2019. Despite the missing phone and his denial of any involvement, the Christian father of two was convicted and sentenced to life in prison on January 24th of this year.

In response to the verdict, Fansan's sister Sonia stated: "We are deeply shocked by the conviction of Fansan. We are praying for justice and [his] release through appeal." The family has been forced to relocate due to concerns for their safety. For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please lift up Fansan before God's throne of grace as he faces the accusations against him. Pray that his appeal hearing will be successful, and that consequently he would be released from custody. Ask the Lord to ensure the safety of this accused believer and his family, as well as any other Christians in their community who may be at risk. May the Holy Spirit work mightily within the hearts and minds of citizens throughout Pakistan – including those serving as legislators – so that the country's widely abused blasphemy laws would be repealed.

  • 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