Christian sanitation worker falsely accused under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and imprisoned for over 3 years could receive the death penalty; ADF International supports his defence
Case highlights growing concern over organized groups trapping innocent people through fabricated blasphemy accusations
ISLAMABAD (10 March 2026) – A Pakistani Christian father accused under the country’s draconian blasphemy laws is awaiting a potential death penalty verdict in a case that raises serious concerns about religious freedom and the exploitation of blasphemy accusations by organized networks. The trial proceedings concerning Pakistani Christian Ishtiaq Saleem have reached a critical stage, with the court completing hearings relating to false blasphemy-charges against Saleem, while proceedings continue for his co-accused. ADF International is supporting Saleem’s defence through allied lawyers in Pakistan.
Saleem, 34, a Christian sanitation worker and father from Islamabad, was arrested in November 2022 after being accused of downloading allegedly blasphemous material on social media, a claim he denies. If convicted under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, he could face the death penalty. Saleem’s trial has concluded, but proceedings involving co-accused Muhammad Umair are still ongoing, meaning the court is likely to issue a verdict when those hearings conclude.
“Ishtiaq committed no wrong and was simply living his life as a Christian in Pakistan when he was arrested. He has now spent three years behind bars, separated from his family. No one should face the threat of death or years in prison based on fabricated accusations of blasphemy. Cases like this illustrate the immense pressure faced by Christians and religious minorities in Pakistan."
“Blasphemy laws create a culture of violence and discrimination and must be repealed. Ishtiaq must be freed, and Pakistan must move toward a culture that respects and protects religious freedom for all,” continued Tehmina Arora.
Saleem, who was 31 years old at the time of his arrest in 2022, has suffered in prison while the case has moved slowly through the courts. His bail applications have been repeatedly rejected by lower courts as well as by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The Supreme Court previously ordered the trial court to expedite proceedings, which are currently taking place before a special court in Islamabad.
Making a business out of false blasphemy accusations
The case has drawn attention because it involves the so-called Blasphemy Business Group—an organized network accused of fabricating blasphemy accusations to entrap individuals for the purpose of blackmail and extortion. According to a report by Pakistan’s National Commission on Human Rights, more than 450 people have been targeted through similar schemes, contributing to a dramatic surge in blasphemy accusations in recent years.
The network includes lawyers and individuals who reportedly work in coordination with the cybercrime unit of the Federal Investigation Agency to bring these construed cases before the courts. In Saleem’s case, the lead prosecution counsel, Rao Abdur Rahim, is the head of the Group, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings.
“Organized groups that exploit blasphemy accusations to target innocent people undermine the rule of law and put Christians and other vulnerable communities at grave risk,” continued Arora. “The international community must pay attention to cases like this and call for justice and accountability.”
ADF International and its allied lawyers support Saleem’s case. They remain hopeful that the trial has exposed significant weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and the misuse of the blasphemy laws to exhort and harass religious minorities. They are also hoping that Saleem will be acquitted and able to return to his young family.
