Police in Pakistan’s Punjab province have filed blasphemy charges against two young Christian sisters, Saima Masih and Sonia Masih, both in their twenties. The case stems from allegations that they discarded a sack containing pages of the Quran outside their home in Gojra, Toba Tek Singh district, located approximately 200 km from Lahore.
According to police official Shaukat Ali, the incident occurred on Wednesday when Sonia was seen throwing the sack by a neighbor. The neighbor’s inquiry led to an argument with Saima Masih, which quickly escalated as other residents gathered in response to the alleged desecration. Saima was reportedly assaulted by the crowd before being handed over to the police. The Christian family subsequently fled their home amid the tensions. Raids are currently underway to locate and arrest Sonia.
Minorities Alliance Pakistan Chairman Advocate Akmal Bhatti has strongly contested the allegations, claiming they are unfounded. Bhatti alleged that the complainant and his family falsely accused the sisters and incited local residents against them. He suggested that the case may be driven by “ulterior motives” from their Muslim neighbors.
The blasphemy laws in Pakistan are highly contentious and have been criticized for misuse, often leading to severe consequences for the accused. The case against Samia and Sonia Masih is the latest example of the challenges faced by religious minorities in the country.
