Christian twin brothers acquitted of “blasphemy” charges in Punjab, Pakistan

4 February 2025

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Twin brothers, both Christians, were acquitted of the charge of “blasphemy” on 25 January in Punjab province, Pakistan, when the judge ruled that there was no evidence against them.

According to defence lawyer Javed Sahotra, Judge Farzana Shahzad of the sessions court in Kasur also acknowledged that the police investigation had not been carried out properly.

The 18-year-old brothers Kalu (also known as Yeshua) and Tabish, from the village of Kale Wala in Kasur District were arrested on 27 August 2024 and accused of desecrating the Quran at an annual festival the previous evening.

District and Sessions Court, Kasur, Punjab [Image credit: Government of Punjab, Pakistan]

As part of the festival, the crowd threw torn pieces of paper into the air. It is alleged that the papers thrown by Kalu and Tabish contained verses from the Quran. They were charged under Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which requires life imprisonment for those who wilfully defile, damage or desecrate a copy of the Quran.

The defence cross-examined eight witnesses, including the Investigating Officer (IO) and the original complainant, asking them to identify which verses of the Quran had allegedly been desecrated by the brothers.

“Neither the IO nor any other witness was able to respond to my question, which shows that the evidence that they had submitted against the brothers had been fabricated,” Sahotra reported.

The defence also successfully argued that IO Muhammad Saleem lacked the mandatory qualifications in Islamic education to conduct a “blasphemy” inquiry.   

Judge Shahzad ordered the brothers’ immediate release and directed the Kasur District Police Officer to launch an inquiry into the flawed investigation.

Accusations of “blasphemy” against Christians or other religious minorities in Pakistan can quickly turn into mob violence and riots. Entire communities of Christians are vulnerable to attack.

The twins’ acquittal follows that of sisters Sonia and Saima, both Christians, two months after being arrested on unsubstantiated “blasphemy” charges in August 2024, also in Punjab.

Give thanks for answered prayer with the acquittal of Kalu and Tabish. Pray that their release will deter those who abuse Pakistan’s “blasphemy” laws to accuse Christians and other vulnerable people without justification. Pray for protection for the Christian community in Kasur District from any retaliation following this verdict.

Related Countries

Pakistan