News Desk
Sahiwal, January 26, 2025:
Farhan Javed, a 28-year-old Christian man from a small village in Sahiwal, Punjab, was arrested on January 26, 2025, on allegations of blasphemy. Farhan lives with his widowed mother, Parveen Masih, his younger sister, and his 27-year-old brother, Junaid Javed, who was born mentally retarded. The family, already vulnerable due to poverty and their circumstances, has appealed to authorities to treat Farhan as a mentally ill individual rather than as a criminal.
The accusations were made by two local men, Iqbal and Tasleem Khan, who claimed Farhan made blasphemous remarks. While the family members of Farhan, insist that his long history of mental instability and recent deterioration must be considered.
Family members explain that Farhan has struggled with severe drug addiction, which has significantly worsened his mental health over the past two months. “He doesn’t understand the implications of his words or actions anymore. All we ask is for justice that reflects his condition,” a family member said. They have demanded a thorough medical examination and a fair investigation to ensure decisions are informed by his mental state.
Bishop Abraham Daniel of Sahiwal praised the police for their efforts in safeguarding the family amidst protests sparked by the accusations. He urged for religious tolerance and fairness in the handling of such cases. “Religious intolerance must be discouraged, and fair justice must prevail. This case demands a balance between upholding the law and acknowledging the individual’s mental health,” Bishop Daniel said.
Human rights activist Jansen Joseph also condemned the arrest, calling for an impartial investigation and a comprehensive mental health assessment. “If he is mentally unstable, he cannot be held accountable in the same way as a fully capable individual. The authorities must treat this case with compassion and adhere to human rights principles,” Joseph stated.
The incident has reignited concerns over the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, particularly against marginalized and vulnerable communities.