Vigilante Groups Orchestrate Online Blasphemy Cases

Vigilante Groups Orchestrate Online Blasphemy Cases

A crowd is gathered in protest against blasphemy laws in Pakistan.
A protest against Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
Photo: Wikipedia / Vivek Ravikumar (cc)

While accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan are common and can be motivated by interpersonal conflicts or business disputes, there has been a notable increase in allegations based on social media posts. (To read previously published reports about Christians who have been charged with blasphemy, go to our country profile.)

According to the research findings of the AFP news agency, many such cases are taking place as a result of organized "vigilante groups" led by lawyers and the support of volunteers scouring the Internet for offenders. In some cases, unsuspecting social media participants are duped by strangers into sharing content that could be deemed blasphemous, resulting in police reports being filed against them.

For example, a man joined a WhatsApp group in search of a job. He was contacted by a woman who sent him objectionable images. When he confronted her, she denied sending the images and asked him to forward them to her – falsely stating that by doing so, she would then know what he was talking about. After sending her the images, he was the one accused of sharing blasphemous content.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) states that there are groups working to "witch-hunt" people, sometimes fabricating evidence due to "vested agendas." Pakistan's National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) reports that, as of July 25th, a total of 767 people accused of blasphemy were being detained in jails across the country; compared to 213 in 2023, and 64 in 2022. The reasons why these vigilante groups are involved tend to vary. One police report suggests that some of the accusers are motivated by financial gains.

A group known as the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan proudly reports that they are prosecuting more than 300 cases, believing that their "God has chosen them for this noble cause." Sharaz Ahman Farooqi, who leads the group, was the complainant in a case that led to the conviction of a Christian woman named Shagufta Kiran this past September. (More details on her case are available here.) Another group has been responsible for the eventual conviction of 27 people over the past three years. For those who are found guilty, convictions of blasphemy carry a mandatory life imprisonment or death sentence.

In its report on the situation, the NCHR is calling for a "comprehensive review" of the roles and accountability of both government and private entities. In addition to concerns over the startling increase of false accusations, the growing number of cases has led to severe overcrowding in prison areas that are reserved for those accused of blasphemy.

Pray that Pakistan's governing leaders would respond appropriately by taking necessary action against the members of "vigilante groups" whose aim is to destroy the lives of fellow citizens by accusing them of blasphemy. For those of our Christian family who are presently contending with such allegations, please pray that they will receive greatly needed legal assistance and advocacy so their cases could be justly rejected or overturned. Also remember the many believers who have been imprisoned over the years, asking the Lord to likewise provide them and their loved ones the protection, strength, encouragement and hope that's needed each day so they can stand firm in their faith and thus testify of His sustaining power and grace.


  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.

  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
    A very dark room is dimly lit by a single window in the corner. A woman is silhouetted against the window.
     

    A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.

  • Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians
    Adil Babar is standing outside.
    Adil Babar
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.