She was assaulted by a mob.
A Christian widow in Pakistan, Saima Farhad, was accused of blasphemy, beaten by a mob, and arrested following claims by a neighbor that she discarded damaged Quran pages near her home. The incident took place on August 7 in Kathore, Tehsil Gojra, Faisalabad, and led to violent mob action against Farhad. Her family, however, denied the accusations, asserting they are based on a personal grudge rather than any real evidence of wrongdoing.
Farhad’s cousin, Albert Masih, explained that the conflict originated from a property dispute between Farhad and her neighbor, Mudassar. He had placed an iron beam on her house during his construction, and when Farhad demanded its removal and financial compensation, tensions escalated. The harassment from Mudassar and his tenants soon intensified, culminating in the blasphemy allegation.
According to Masih, the situation became violent when Mudassar threatened to attack Farhad with a knife, and a crowd formed outside her home. With help from a local man, she managed to escape temporarily but was eventually found and beaten by the mob. Police intervened, but instead of just protecting her, they arrested her and lodged a blasphemy complaint, despite a lack of evidence.
Farhad’s attorney, Nasir Abbas, stated that the case against her is fabricated, with no substantial evidence supporting the blasphemy charges. He argues that the accusations are an attempt to exploit Farhad’s vulnerability as a widow. He remains hopeful that the lack of evidence will result in her release on bail.
Even if Saima is granted bail, Christians in Pakistan who face blasphemy charges often deal with long-lasting social stigma, harassment, and rejection, making it difficult for them to resume normal lives. Farhad’s two children, who witnessed the attack, have been left deeply traumatized and are now staying with family members.