By ASIM TANVEER
A court in Pakistan has sentenced Ehsan Shan, a Christian man, to death for sharing blasphemous content on social media, specifically TikTok, that allegedly insulted Islam. The ruling, handed down by a court in Sahiwal, Punjab, on Saturday, comes amid heightened tensions following violent mob attacks on Christians in Jaranwala last year. Shan, who was not involved in the initial Quran desecration incident, is accused of reposting defaced pages of the Quran after the incident in August 2023, which triggered widespread violence.
The violence erupted when some Muslim residents of Jaranwala claimed that two Christian men were seen desecrating the Quran. In retaliation, mobs attacked Christian homes and churches, burning dozens of properties. While over 100 individuals were arrested in connection with the attacks, no convictions have been reported so far. Shan’s social media post was allegedly shared during a sensitive period when authorities were struggling to maintain order and prevent further violence.
Khurram Shahzad, Shan’s lawyer, stated that his client would appeal the verdict. He emphasized that Shan was not involved in the desecration and that the severity of the death sentence appeared disproportionate, especially given that those directly responsible for the violence against Christians in Jaranwala have not yet faced punishment.
In Pakistan, blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue, with accusations often leading to public outrage and mob violence. Under the blasphemy laws, insulting Islam, its sacred texts, or religious figures can result in a death sentence, though such sentences are rarely carried out. However, the mere accusation can lead to violent repercussions, as seen in the case of Nazir Masih, a 72-year-old man who was lynched by an angry mob in June following accusations of blasphemy.
While blasphemy laws have been a point of international controversy due to their potential for misuse, particularly against minorities, Pakistani authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy, though the laws remain a key issue in the country’s legal and political landscape.