Justice Denied: The Harrowing Tale of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagfuta Kausar under Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws

**Introduction: The Persistent Misuse of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Legislation**

The debate over blasphemy laws remains a divisive issue within Pakistan, often resulting in the wrongful imprisonment of numerous individuals from minority communities. Notably, Section 295- A/B/C of the Pakistani Constitution is frequently exploited for personal gain.

The misuse of this law has even led to the assassination of significant political figures such as Salman Taseer, the Governor of Punjab, and Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian Minister, both killed in Islamabad. Victims often face violence within the judicial system or from societal extremists.

The Farrukh Saif Foundation, previously known as World Vision in Progress, has been advocating for blasphemy law victims since 2009, uncovering numerous instances of false accusations driven by personal vendettas or unfounded rumors.

Despite efforts, the Pakistani government has struggled to protect these individuals and their communities effectively. Radicalism’s escalation has seen cases devolve into mob violence, with law enforcement and judicial bodies succumbing to extremist pressures, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.

**The Ordeal of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagfuta Kausar**

Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagfuta Kausar, a Christian couple from Gojra, Punjab, were falsely accused in 2013 of sending blasphemous texts in English, a language beyond their literacy. Despite Shafqat’s paralysis from a previous accident, the police subjected him to torture to extract a confession, threatening to humiliate his wife publicly if he did not comply.

Charged under severe blasphemy laws and despite the lack of concrete evidence or the recovery of any incriminating mobile device, they were sentenced to death in 2014. The prosecution’s reliance on a SIM card registration, easily manipulated before 2015, and the failure to provide digital evidence highlighted the trial’s shortcomings.

The trial, influenced by Islamist pressure, was marked by intimidation, with extremist lawyers threatening the judge to secure a conviction, demonstrating the vulnerability of minorities to persecution through legal manipulation.

**Impact on Shafqat and Shagfuta’s Children**

The implications of this miscarriage of justice extend to their four children, left without their primary caregivers. Despite arrangements for their education and daily needs, the absence of parental love and support is irreplaceable.

**Dire Prison Conditions for Shafqat**

Shafqat’s health deteriorates in prison, exacerbated by his paralysis and inadequate medical care, underscoring the inhumanity of his confinement.

**Farrukh Saif Foundation’s Advocacy and International Plea**

The Foundation has consistently challenged the lower court’s bias, seeking justice through the High Court of Lahore, which has called for an expedited review. We urge global solidarity and action against such injustices and invite prayers and support for Shafqat and Shagfuta as we await the appeal hearing.

**Source:  The Farrukh Saif Foundation**

*Historical Footnotes:*

– *Ilamdin Shaheed, revered for the murder of Mahasay Rajpal over blasphemous publications against Islam in 1924.*
– *Mumtaz Qadri, celebrated by many for assassinating Salman Taseer, a critic of blasphemy laws, remains a controversial figure.*

The Children

Watch this video and listen the cry of Shafqat and Shagufta’s children.