By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
LAHORE, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – Two young Christians who faced long prison terms and possible death for blasphemy against Islam in Pakistan have been acquitted after “a grueling two-year legal battle,” well-informed sources told Worthy News on Thursday.
Adil Babar, 20, and Simon Nadeem, 16, from the city of Lahore in Pakistan’s Punjab province suffered “false blasphemy charges” leveled against them, confirmed Pastor Imran Amanat, who leads advocacy group LEAD Ministries Pakistan.
He told Worthy News that their troubles began in May, 2023 when Zahid Sohail, a resident of Lahore city, accused them of naming a puppy “Muhammad Ali.”
The resident reportedly suggested that both boys, then just 18 and 14 years old, “mocked the names” of Muhammad, Islam’s prophet, and Ali, the prophet’s son-in-law and the name of the fourth Islamic caliphate. Ali also fathered two children of Muhammad’s daughter, Fatima.
The allegation sparked “significant tension and threatened the safety and dignity of the young boys and their families,” Amanat stressed. They were initially detained but then released on bail, Christians said.
Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, also welcomed Tuesday’s the acquittal by the Magistrate Court in Lahore, calling it “a vital step towards justice and protection for minorities facing false allegations.”
He said he “appreciated Attorney Naseeb Anjum, Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and his team for their courageous court advocacy that led to the acquittal of the innocent.”
‘TRIUMPH OVER FALSEHOOD’
“The court’s decision to acquit Adil and Simon is a triumph of truth over falsehood,” Pastor Amanat declared.
“This verdict not only restores justice to these innocent youths but also sends a clear message against the misuse of blasphemy laws that have too often been weaponized against vulnerable communities.”
Despite their exoneration, Pastor Amanat emphasized the lasting impact of such accusations. “The scars left on these boys and their families are deep and will not easily fade. Authorities must hold those responsible for filing false accusations accountable, to deter this dangerous trend,” he said.
Calling for collective action, Pastor Amanat urged parents, community leaders, and faith organizations to remain vigilant. “We must educate our youth, dispel rumors, and expose the networks that exploit blasphemy laws for personal gain,” he said. “Only through awareness and unity can we protect the innocent and uphold justice.”
In addition to false blasphemy accusations, honey-trapping has become a widespread and alarming issue in Pakistan.
Gill said he remained concerned about young people, often Christian young men and boys, who have been targeted “through deceitful romantic or emotional manipulation to extort or blackmail them.”
The technique known as “honey trapping” often involved young women challenging them to say anti-Islam remarks in private conversations and then threatening to make them public unless money is paid.
HUNDREDS OF CASES
“According to recent reports, hundreds of cases are registered annually where individuals—often from minority communities,” Gill said. He added that LEAD Ministries Pakistan remains committed “to advocating for judicial transparency, contributing to documenting the persecution of Christians, and protecting minority rights.”
Gill said this was crucial as the country continues “to grapple with the challenges posed by blasphemy laws.”
Pakistan, a mainly Islamic nation, ranks 8th on the annual World Watch List of 50 countries where advocacy group Open Doors says Christians face the most persecution.
“The notorious blasphemy laws are often used to target minority groups, but Christians are disproportionately affected. Indeed, roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians, who make up just 1.8 per cent of the population,” the group warned.
“Blasphemy laws carry a death sentence. While this is seldom carried out, people accused of blasphemy are vulnerable to attack or murder by mobs.”
In June 2024, an elderly man was killed by mob violence after being accused of desecrating the Koran, according to Christian investigators. Additionally, “The 2023 attack on Christian homes and buildings in Jaranwala continues to contribute to a climate of fear. Historical churches have relative freedom for worship and other activities. However, they are heavily monitored and have been targeted for bomb attacks,” Open Doors said.
The number of Christian girls (and those from other minority religions) abducted, abused, and forcefully converted to Islam (frequently backed by lower courts) is also growing, according to Open Doors researchers. “And churches that engage in outreach are particularly prone to opposition. All Christians suffer institutionalised discrimination.”
Successive governments have come under increasing pressure to tackle blasphemy legislation, but despite years of advocacy, the controversial laws remain.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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