A Pakistani Christian man, Younas Talib, has been charged after he was falsely accused of disrespecting graves by a young Muslim man.
The alleged crime took place in the district of Mirpur in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.
Talib was charged under Section 297 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which deals with causing offense or insult by trespassing on or disrespecting a place set apart for human remains. Barnabas Aid project partners are providing him with legal assistance.
Younas Talib was arrested in Mirpur in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. [Image credit: Mirza Iqbal Baig/X]
On November 13 Talib, a retired support staff member from the Army’s telecommunication department who has lived in the area for around 30 years, was walking alongside a pathway located next to a cemetery.
A young Muslim man, Umar Hayat, approached Talib and warned him not to use the pathway again, even though it is commonly used by residents. When Talib asked for the reason, Umar’s tone became aggressive and he left the scene after saying, “I will see you.”
Within a few hours, police officers arrived at Talib’s home and arrested him.
Police informed him that the arrest resulted from a complaint issued by Umar that Talib disrespected the grave of a pir, a spiritual guide in Sufi Islam. Talib was also accused of desecrating the grave of Umar’s grandmother by digging it. The complainant also claimed that Talib committed these acts on the instructions of his religious leaders as part of witchcraft practices.
Talib has denied the allegations, affirming that the accusations are baseless.
Our partners acted swiftly and were able to secure bail terms amounting to PKR 80,000 ($256).
Section 297 is one of the PPC’s “Offenses Relating to Religion,” commonly known as the “blasphemy” laws. Disrespecting a site such as a cemetery can result in a fine of unspecified amount, a one-year prison sentence, or both.
After Talib was granted bail, members of an extremist group affiliated with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP, the banned Islamist political party) reportedly assembled and demanded that he be re-arrested.
Talib’s family have expressed fears for their safety in the light of threats from extremists.
How You Can Pray
Pray for protection for Talib and his family as they face these threats. Ask the Lord to impart wisdom to our partners as they provide legal support for Talib and the skill to disprove this spurious accusation. Pray that the case will be dismissed and the accuser will be convicted of his wrongdoing and brought to repentance.
