By: Kashif Nawab
On May 6, 1998, Bishop John Joseph of Pakistan shot himself outside the Sessions Court in Sahiwal. His act of protest against the country’s blasphemy laws, which were being weaponized against minority communities, sent shockwaves through Pakistan. The bishop’s suicide turned him into an instant martyr among millions of Pakistani Christians, both Catholic and Protestant.
The Roman Catholic Church was uncomfortable with the idea of a bishop resorting to such drastic measures. His death also placed the government in an awkward position, as it faced increased scrutiny from foreign media and diplomats over the blasphemy laws.
Bishop John Joseph was born on November 15, 1932, in Khushpur, Punjab province, Pakistan. He was known for his advocacy for the Christian community, often organizing protests, sit-ins, and hunger strikes. However, his bold approach was controversial within the Pakistani Catholic Church, with some members favoring a more diplomatic strategy.
In the days leading up to his suicide, Bishop Joseph showed no signs of mental health issues or personal turmoil. His death coincided with a major protest against the execution of a Christian man accused of blasphemy.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, introduced in the 1980s, have been widely criticized for being misused to target religious minorities. Accusations of blasphemy often lead to vigilante violence and mob attacks, even if the accused is later found not guilty.
Bishop John Joseph’s suicide triggered an outpouring of grief and respect from Pakistani Christians, who saw him as a selfless martyr. However, the Vatican’s response was more muted, privately viewing his actions as embarrassing.
Despite his widespread popularity among the public, the Catholic Church is unlikely to officially recognize Bishop John Joseph as a saint. Nevertheless, his legacy continues to be celebrated in Pakistan, where memorials and commemorations of his life are held regularly.
Without official recognition, Bishop John Joseph remains an important figure in Pakistani Christianity, his life and death intertwined with the struggles of the country’s Christian minority.