He’s reclaiming his religious identity.
Sufyan Masih, a 24-year-old Christian worker from Pakistan, recently won a legal battle to regain his Christian identity after being fraudulently registered as a Muslim by his employer. The employer used this false registration to exploit Masih, withholding his wages and forcing him into labor. Masih and his illiterate family were unaware of this manipulation until they sought legal help. This case brings attention to the misuse of Pakistan’s National Identity Card system, which is often manipulated to oppress religious minorities.
In Pakistan, changing one’s religious status from Muslim to another faith is notoriously difficult due to the widespread belief that everyone is born Muslim. This creates significant barriers for religious minorities trying to correct fraudulent or inaccurate records. When Masih initially sought to have his Christian identity restored, his petition was rejected by a civil judge, who based the decision on Islamic teachings. However, with the help of ADF International, a legal advocacy organization, Masih appealed the case.
The appeal was ultimately successful, with the court recognizing the fraudulent registration and allowing Masih to update his identity card to reflect his true faith. This legal victory occurred amid mounting international pressure on Pakistan to address human rights violations, particularly in relation to forced conversions, blasphemy laws, and the treatment of religious minorities.
Masih’s case is part of a broader issue of religious persecution in Pakistan, where Christians and other minorities face legal and systemic discrimination. ADF International noted that many Christians suffer from similar abuses, with their religious identities being falsified on official documents. The organization welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a significant step in protecting the rights of minorities.
Although Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom, the legal system often fails to protect the rights of minority communities. While Masih’s victory is an important step forward, it highlights the continuing challenges religious minorities face in Pakistan, including forced conversions and legal obstacles tied to religious identity.