Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
The Voice society
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – Amir Joseph Paul, a 60-year-old Pakistani Catholic, is the latest innocent victim of blasphemy accusations. “His case once again demonstrates the manipulation of the law, used for private vendettas,” lawyer Aneeqa Maria Anthony, who works with the NGO “The Voice Society,” which is following the case, told Fides. The lawyer explained to Fides: the complaint was filed on July 19 by Munawar Ali, a shop owner in the Nishat neighborhood in Lahore. The complainant claimed that Amir had made offensive comments about the Prophet Muhammad during a conversation in his shop. Amir was immediately arrested and the investigations are still ongoing.Amir, the brother of Father Henry Paul, of the Catholic Church of St. Francis, had gone to the shop for some shopping. During a conversation about political and social issues, eyewitnesses reported, there were no religious references or blasphemous content. But the shopkeeper, the lawyer notes, mobilized local religious leaders within minutes to claim that Amir had made blasphemous statements, which were denied by the accused and the other witnesses present.Local residents claim the accusation is being misused due to a personal grudge related to a sewage dispute between Amir’s home and the complainant’s shop. “It is deeply concerning that such a minor personal dispute can escalate into a blasphemy charge that puts the life of an innocent person at risk,” notes lawyer Aneeqa Maria Anthony. The lawyer is monitoring the investigation, calling for the preservation of all available evidence, such as closed-circuit cameras and eyewitness statements. “This case highlights the ongoing abuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and the urgent need for reforms to prevent false accusations,” she adds.Meanwhile, “The Voice Society” team is providing full support to Amir’s family, including legal, social, and moral assistance.Now, Amir’s family and the Christian residents of the Nishat neighborhood are fearful and are at risk of facing mass violence that could break out at any moment. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 22/7/2025)
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