She’s free.
A trial court in Pakistan has granted bail to Saima Masih, a Christian woman facing blasphemy charges, highlighting the serious risks associated with such allegations in the country. The decision was made by Additional Sessions Judge Gojra Waseem Mubarak on September 10, but was only made public recently for security concerns. Saima and her sister, Sonia Faryaad, were accused after a neighbor falsely claimed they had disposed of pages from the Quran, a situation that arose after Saima rejected the neighbor’s inappropriate advances.
Saima, who is a health worker and mother of two, has been living in fear since the charges emerged. Her sister Sonia, a teacher and mother of three, felt compelled to leave their village with her family to avoid backlash. Initially, Sonia’s request for pre-arrest bail was denied, but after police investigations cleared her, their attorney, Mattu, withdrew a subsequent appeal to the Lahore High Court. After Saima received bail, Mattu moved to have the charges dropped, pointing to inconsistencies in the case, including the delayed filing of the First Information Report and the absence of eyewitnesses.
Although the court has granted bail, both women and their families remain in hiding due to ongoing threats. Activists have warned that blasphemy accusations can lead to severe consequences, including mob violence. Akmal Bhatti, chairman of the Minorities Alliance Pakistan, noted that a mob had attempted to harm Saima when the accusations became public, underscoring the dangers inherent in such charges.
Human rights advocates have criticized the societal implications of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which are frequently misused to resolve personal grievances and can lead to tragic outcomes for those accused. Joseph Jansen, a minority rights activist, highlighted that the abuse of these laws has resulted in violence and extrajudicial killings, calling for immediate reforms to safeguard innocent individuals.
The plight of Saima and Sonia illustrates the vulnerable position of religious minorities in Pakistan, where blasphemy allegations can have devastating effects. Activists are urging authorities to provide protection for the women and their families and to hold accountable those who make false accusations that threaten lives. This case reflects the broader challenges faced by Christians in Pakistan, who continue to experience significant threats and discrimination.