HRFP Condemns Blasphemy Accusations Against Christian Sisters Sonia and Saima Masih in Pakistan
In Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan, the Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has strongly condemned the blasphemy accusations against two Christian sisters, Sonia Masih and Saima Masih. The incident occurred in a village in the Toba Tek Singh district.
HRFP President Naveed Walter expressed deep concerns over the false accusations and arrests of Sonia and Saima Masih, as well as other Christians facing similar allegations. He highlighted that such incidents have been increasing and previous cases remain unresolved.
Walter recalled a violent incident in Jaranwala last year, where a mob set fire to and vandalized churches and homes. He also mentioned a tragic event in May 2024, where a mob attacked Nazir Masih and his family, leading to Nazir’s death.
Walter emphasized that Christians in Pakistan do not feel safe and secure due to their minority status. He urged the government to protect minorities and criticized the authorities for neglecting the issue, allowing perpetrators to go unpunished while innocent people suffer.
He called for decisive actions against the real culprits and facilitators of blasphemy accusations, specifically mentioning the case of the two sisters. The HRFP team is actively working on Sonia and Saima Masih’s case, providing legal and other assistance.
Walter also mentioned other recent cases, such as Mariam Bibi’s abduction in Sahiwal, where she was forcibly converted to Islam and married off. He detailed the accusations against Sonia Masih, where Mohammad Haider claimed to have seen her disposing of trash containing pages of the Quran.
Haider Ali, along with others, visited the sisters’ house to investigate, leading to further accusations. An FIR has been filed at the local police station.
HRFP also highlighted other incidents of abuse and abduction, including the cases of Natasha Razzaq, Mariam Gulzar, and Asia Bibi, who faced various forms of violence and harassment.
Doubts Revealed
HRFP -: HRFP stands for Human Rights Focus Pakistan. It is an organization that works to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan.
Blasphemy -: Blasphemy means showing disrespect or lack of reverence for something sacred or religious. In some countries, it is considered a very serious crime.
Christian Sisters -: Christian sisters Sonia and Saima Masih are two women who follow the Christian religion. They are being accused of blasphemy in Pakistan.
Toba Tek Singh -: Toba Tek Singh is a city in Pakistan. It is the place where Sonia and Saima Masih are facing blasphemy accusations.
Naveed Walter -: Naveed Walter is the President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP). He is speaking out against the false accusations and arrests of the Christian sisters.
Minorities -: Minorities are groups of people who are different from the majority of the population in terms of religion, race, or other characteristics. In this case, Christians are a minority in Pakistan.
Violence and Abduction -: Violence means using physical force to hurt someone, and abduction means taking someone away by force. The summary mentions other cases where Christians have faced such problems.