Pakistan (International Christian Concern) — A first information report (FIR) was filed at the Nishtar Colony Police Station in Lahore, Pakistan, against a young Christian man and his uncle, but the allegations may be fabricated.

The complaint, lodged by Muhammad Umair against Asher Bhatti and his uncle, Paul Masih, alleged that a Facebook profile named “Aserbhatti” posted blasphemous and derogatory content about the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Umair, a bookstore owner, claimed he discovered this content on Sept. 14 and noted that Bhatti’s uncle, who lives in Thailand, had commented on the posts, which exacerbated the “incitement of hatred and injury to the religious sentiments of Muslims.”

If convicted, Bhatti could face the death penalty or life in prison for allegedly defiling the name of Muhammad.

Bhatti has since filed a counter-complaint with the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore, claiming that his uncle created a fake Facebook profile in his name to post the objectionable content and frame him.

Bhatti, who has reportedly gone into hiding for his safety, maintains his innocence, describing himself as a law-abiding citizen and an altar boy at St. Matthew’s Church in Awan Market, Lahore.

He stated that he has “deep respect for all Prophets, religious figures, and all religions.”

Bhatti added that his uncle has threatened him on Facebook, causing Bhatti to fear for his safety. He urged authorities to block the fake account and investigate his uncle. Both the police investigation and the NCCIA inquiry are currently ongoing. 

“This is yet another tragic example of how Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are being grossly misused,” said Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK (Centre for Legal Aid Assistance & Settlement). “Asher Bhatti is innocent, yet he has been forced into hiding because of a false accusation. Sadly, his case is not unique – thousands of innocent people, including women and children, are currently languishing in prisons under false blasphemy charges. Several others have been murdered by vigilantes before their trials could even take place. 

“The misuse of Section 295-C has destroyed countless lives and continues to create fear and insecurity among Pakistan’s minorities. Social media is increasingly being weaponised to fabricate cases, settle personal scores, and inflame communal tensions. Unless urgent reforms are made to stop this abuse, more innocent lives will be ruined. The government must act now to ensure that no one can exploit these laws for personal gain or religious persecution.” 

Hundreds of prisoners in Pakistani jails and prisons have been incarcerated for violating blasphemy laws against the Islamic prophet Muhammad. These prisoners often face cruel treatment and discrimination within the judicial system.

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