Rawalpindi: Just days after being honourably acquitted in a blasphemy case that kept him imprisoned for over a decade, a 62-year-old Christian man has passed away. His death, on the night of October 5, 2025, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating human toll of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws — and the long shadow of injustice they cast on many wrongfully accused, especially among religious minorities. 

The man was arrested years ago over allegations of sending blasphemous text messages — accusations later found to lack any credible evidence. Despite this, he was sentenced to life imprisonment and later handed the death penalty. Throughout his long and unjust incarceration, he endured physical torture, psychological torment, and relentless pressure to confess to a crime he never committed. Yet, he remained steadfast in his innocence and unwavering in his Christian faith. 

On October 2, 2025, the Rawalpindi Bench of the Lahore High Court finally acquitted him, honourably ending years of wrongful conviction. But justice, though delivered on paper, arrived far too late. Just days after his release, he passed away — legally free, but physically broken and emotionally exhausted from years of persecution. 

LEAD Ministries Pakistan, a Christian human rights and legal advocacy group dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians and documenting cases of injustice under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, has actively worked to highlight the systemic misuse of these laws. Through their efforts in legal aid, awareness campaigns, and advocacy, they have sought to highlight the prolonged ordeals faced by many victims of blasphemy laws and the urgent need for reform. 

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, voiced deep sorrow at the man’s death and issued a powerful call for legal reforms. “This is yet another victim of Pakistan’s cruel misuse of blasphemy laws,” he said. “Though justice was finally served in the courtroom, it came at the cost of a man’s entire life. His death, just days after release, is a haunting reminder that in Pakistan, for many, acquittal is not the end — it’s only a different kind of pain. May his soul rest in peace, and may his case stir the conscience of this nation.” 

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, also lamented the loss: “We have lost yet another Christian life due to the misuse of blasphemy laws. Justice was delayed for so long that it was ultimately denied — this man reached the courtroom door only to take his final breath. This should never happen to anyone again.” 

Despite enduring the worst of the justice system, he never gave in to despair. His story is one of quiet resistance — a testament to the strength of faith in the face of relentless oppression. He leaves behind a legacy that now speaks louder than any accusation ever could. 

His case is not unique. Dozens more remain in prison under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, many facing prolonged detention without trial. Human rights advocates, including LEAD Ministries, continue to warn that without urgent reform, more lives will be lost, and justice will remain out of reach for too many. 

“Let us not forget his name,” said LEAD Ministries in a statement. “Let his story fuel our collective fight for justice, legal reform, and the protection of all persecuted communities.” 

This Christian man is gone — but the call for change echoes louder than ever.