In a harrowing tale of religious persecution, Haroon Shahzad, a 45-year-old Christian man from Chak 49 Shumaali, near Sargodha in Punjab Province, Pakistan, found himself at the center of a blasphemy controversy that led to his incarceration and subsequent release from Sargodha District Jail on November 15.
Shahzad was charged with blasphemy on June 30 for sharing Bible verses on Facebook on 27th July 2023, causing an uproar among Muslims and forcing dozens of Christian families in the vicinity to flee their homes.
In a small village near Sargodha city, Pakistan, Haroon Shehzad, a 49-year-old Christian man, found himself accused of blasphemy on June 30, 2023.
The alleged offense? Sharing a Bible verse, specifically 1st Corinthians chapter 10: 18–22, on his Facebook page just two days before Eid-Ul-Adha.
“But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” Corinthians 10:18-22 (KJV)
The complainant, Imran Ullah Sargodha, a resident of the same village, reportedly harbored resentment toward Shehzad due to his perceived higher social status. Mr Shehzad at the time was a very successful paint contractor. Imran maliciously connected the biblical post to the essence of Eid’s Sacrifice where meat that is sacrificed is shared to be eaten, triggering tensions in Chak 49 Shumali village. Imran Ullah went further by instigating the villagers through mosque announcements, framing Shehzad’s actions as blasphemous.
Despite the shared verse containing no personal comments related to the Muslim holy festival of Eid Ul Adha, dozens of Christian families fled their homes in fear after Shehzad was accused of blasphemy. Mr Shehzad’s family also fled, however his paralyzed parents and two sisters-in-law to look after them remained at home, hoping police would show mercy. However, in a miscarriage of justice the police arrested both sisters in law and left the parents alone in the house without carers.
Mr Shehzad’s application for pre-arrest bail was granted on July 3, 2023, by the Court of Additional Sessions Judge Sargodha. However, when Shehzad went to the police station to join the investigation and record his statement, he was arrested and taken into illegal custody, allegedly for his safety.
Haroon Shahzad, found himself falsely charged with blasphemy for posting Bible verses on Facebook, but has since been granted bail at Lahore High Court by Judge Ali Baqir Najfi on November 6. However, despite the charges being dropped, Shahzad and his family are living in hiding due to threats on their lives. The Lahore High Court Judge granted bail on November 6, but the information was kept confidential until now due to security concerns.
Shahzad, who denies any intention to hurt Muslim sentiments, stated that the false accusation has disrupted his family’s life, compelling them to constantly change locations for safety. Shahzad’s lawyer highlighted the common pattern in blasphemy cases in Pakistan, involving defective investigations, threats, and displacement of accused individuals and their families. The lawyer argued that Shahzad’s case was a violation of legal procedures and stressed the need for evidence to support blasphemy charges.
Despite being released on bail, Shahzad and his family continue to face social stigma and hardship, while the accuser faces no consequences for the false accusation. The court set bail at 100,000 Pakistani rupees (£279) and two personal sureties, ordering further police investigation.
On Sunday, December 3rd, a Christian student from Pakistan addressed the congregation at Ilford High Road Baptist Church, shedding light on the far-reaching implications of a recent blasphemy case in his home country. After Pastor Andrew White invited him onto the stage to share his experience, it became increasingly apparent that the case had induced stress and anxiety among Christians in Pakistan. The proliferation of blasphemy cases in the country emerged as an ongoing threat to the safety of Christians residing there.
The student, hailing from the same town as Mr. Shehzad, recounted the community’s persistent prayers for God’s protection. He highlighted the shortcomings of the police in responding to the community’s plea for safeguarding. Christian families, as a result, resorted to securing their homes by locking the main gates from the outside and adopting a practice of keeping their homes in darkness to conceal their presence, ensuring potential perpetrators seeking retribution remained unaware of their whereabouts.
In his candid disclosure, the student also revealed how young Christian men took on the responsibility of patrolling the streets during the night. Their mission was to vigilantly watch for any signs of a potential attack, allowing them to swiftly alert their community to evacuate their homes before any harm could befall them.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, expressed deep concern over the prolonged detention of an innocent man in a police cell for over four months without formal arrest, all for the simple act of sharing a biblical verse on Facebook. She condemned the apparent lack of justice in Pakistan, emphasizing the appalling nature of the arrest of two innocent women, who were related by marriage to the falsely accused man, and the abandonment of his vulnerable parents.
Mrs Chowdhry lamented the unjust treatment by the police, asserting that there would be no disciplinary consequences for their actions, as their moral and disciplinary lapses seemingly go unquestioned, particularly given that the victims in this case are Christians.
She highlighted the heart-wrenching consequences of the incident, noting: “Mr. Shehzad’s loss of his business and the forced separation of his family for safety reasons, is a disturbing outcome. The family are prevented from them from returning to their own home as threats to kill them persist.”
She expressed concern about the ongoing police investigation: “Mr. Shehzad still could potentially return to a cell’. Additionally, she underscored the ‘lack of accountability for the individual who made the false allegation and the Imams who utilized mosque public address systems to incite a mob that threatened to destroy Christian homes’, emphasizing the need for justice in these cases.
Ms. Chowdhry also highlighted later verses in Corinthians 10: 27-30, which provide clarification on a Christian’s stance regarding meats dedicated to ‘other gods.’ She emphasized that these verses are neither blasphemous nor do they promote conflict; instead, they advocate for peace. By drawing attention to the context and intent of the biblical passage, Ms. Chowdhry aimed to underscore that the act of sharing such verses on social media should not be misconstrued as a blasphemous act but rather as an expression of faith and encouraged better mutual understanding.
27 “If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29 I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10: 27-31
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is extending its support to Mr. Haroon Shehzad, offering assistance in securing potential safe houses. Additionally, BACA is reaching out to the courageous student who shared his harrowing account at Ilford High Road Baptist Church, aiming to provide support as he navigates life in the UK. The organization is actively seeking opportunities to aid the young man as he adjusts to studying in the country. We will advise on this in an update later this week.
BACA is also appealing to employers in East London who may have job opportunities suitable for the young man. If you are an employer interested in contributing to his transition, please do not hesitate to get in touch with BACA. Furthermore, individuals willing to offer a free or discounted room in their homes for the young man’s accommodation for a few months are encouraged to reach out. Those who wish to provide financial assistance can do so through a small love offering, by clicking (here). Please mark any donations as restricted for ‘Ilford student’.
