Islamabad: A special court in Islamabad, operating under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), has sentenced Christian woman Shagufta Kiran to death after being convicted of sharing blasphemous content on social media. The verdict, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, also included a seven-year prison sentence under Section 11 of the PECA Act, along with a fine of Rs. 100,000.

 Shagufta Kiran, a mother of four, was sentenced under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which prescribes the death penalty for blasphemy. She has the right to appeal the decision in the Islamabad High Court within 30 days. Additionally, the court ordered her continued detention in Central Adyala Jail, Rawalpindi.

 Kiran was arrested on 29 July 2021, following a raid by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at her home in Rawalpindi. According to her husband, Rafique Masih, armed FIA officers stormed their residence, accusing Shagufta of violating Pakistan’s blasphemy laws by forwarding a WhatsApp message containing blasphemous content. Rafique revealed that their two sons were also briefly detained during the raid but were later released.

 According to Rafique, Shagufta had unknowingly forwarded a message she received as part of a WhatsApp group. "She was not the author of the post, nor did she understand its content. She forwarded it without reading, unaware of the consequences."

 Since Shagufta’s arrest, her family has been living in a state of turmoil. Forced to flee their home due to threats and fear of violence, Rafique and their children have relocated multiple times in search of safety. The constant displacement has severely disrupted their children’s education, with many academic documents lost or inaccessible.

 Shagufta’s lawyer, Rana Abdul Hameed, commented on the verdict, stating that it was unexpected. "We are awaiting a copy of the judgment and will appeal in the Islamabad High Court as soon as possible."

The case has once again drawn international attention to Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, which have been widely criticized for their misuse, particularly against religious minorities.

 Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, expressed grave concern about the ongoing misuse of Pakistan's blasphemy laws. He stated, "This case highlights the urgent need for reform. Blasphemy laws are being weaponized to target religious minorities, causing untold suffering and injustice. The international community must take a firm stand and pressure Pakistan to implement safeguards against these abuses. The continuous use of these laws as a tool for persecution is alarming, and the government must prioritize reforms to prevent such miscarriages of justice."

 Saeed further added, "The international community cannot remain silent. It is crucial that we act now to prevent the further victimization of innocent individuals under these harsh laws. Religious freedom and the protection of minority rights are fundamental to any democracy, and Pakistan must be held accountable for these ongoing violations."