Blasphemy allegations that could result in the death penalty have been logged against two Christians in Pakistan.
One Christian — Samuel Arif from Pakistan’s Punjab province — was arrested Aug. 29 in the town of Muslim, reported Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. A Muslim man accused Arif of making derogatory remarks about Islam’s Prophet Muhammad and his third wife Aisha.
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The Muslim also alleged that Arif harassed the accuser’s minor daughters.
Arif was charged under Pakistan’s Section 295-C, regarding derogatory remarks about Muhammad, and Section 298-A, concerning disparaging comments about Muhammad’s family. Conviction on Section 295-C carries the death penalty.
A representative of HARDS Pakistan, an aid group, told Morning Star the accusations against Arif are likely false and probably the result of a personal dispute.
The other Christian charged is Amir Masih of Dhala Sharif. Morning Star states that he was arrested Aug. 11 for allegedly posting to social media a video comparing Jesus Christ and Muhammad.
Masih was charged under Section 295-C as well as Sections 295-A and 298, both of which pertain to actions that hurt religious feelings.
World Watch
Pakistan is No. 8 on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List of the 50 places most difficult to be a Christian.
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